More Than 14,000 Service Members and Loved Ones Have Traveled Home Since 2011.
The Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) have announced the 15th year of their annual “Operation Ride Home” program, a long-standing initiative that helps junior-enlisted service members and their families travel home for the holidays.
Since its inception in 2011, Operation Ride Home (ORH) has brought 14,361 military members and family members together across the country, ensuring they can celebrate the season with their loved ones.
Jack Daniel’s Increases Support for 15th Anniversary Year
In recognition of the program’s 15th anniversary, Jack Daniel’s has increased its annual kickoff donation to $150,000 and is calling on supporters to contribute to the effort through operationridehome.com.
“Operation Ride Home has changed so many lives over the years, and it’s an honor and privilege for us to kick off a landmark year assisting these heroes and their families,” said Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s. “Everyone deserves to be home with their loved ones to celebrate the joy of this special season, and we’ll be doing all we can with our partners at the ASYMCA to help make that happen for those who have given so much.”
Over $3.5 Million Raised to Date
To date, Jack Daniel’s, along with its business partners and public donors, has raised more than $3.5 million to assist active-duty service members (E-5 and below) with travel expenses. The funds help cover airfare, prepaid debit cards for those driving, and other travel-related costs for members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
“Thanks to Jack Daniel’s, countless military families will be reunited this holiday season,” said Vice Admiral William French, USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the ASYMCA. “Their partnership makes it possible for service members – many of whom might otherwise spend the holidays alone – to be surrounded with loved ones. We’re honored to stand alongside Jack Daniel’s and make these moments possible for the past 15 years.”
Supporting Service Members Across the Country
The ASYMCA works with military commands in locations co-located with ASYMCA branches to identify junior-enlisted service members most in need of financial assistance. Since 2011, Operation Ride Home has enabled travel to all 50 states, helping thousands of families share the holidays together.
Eligible active-duty members interested in applying for assistance can find details and participating installations at www.asymca.org/operation-ride-home.
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