LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (November 11, 2024) — On Monday, the Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) kicked off the fourteenth year of their Operation Ride Home (ORH) campaign that helps junior-enlisted service members and their families travel home to see loved ones during the holiday season. Through ORH, 12,698 people have traveled home since the program began in 2011.   

Once again, Jack Daniel’s has made its annual $100,000 donation to kick off the program and is asking their friends to visit operationridehome.com if they’d like to contribute to the cause. 

Over $3 million has been raised over the years by the iconic Tennessee Whiskey distillery, its business partners, and the public to provide financial assistance for active-duty, junior-enlisted military, and their families to travel from their base of duty to homes across the country.

“These young heroes and their families sacrifice so much for our country, and we want to help them get off base and make the trip home to see their loved ones over the holidays,” said Master Distiller Chris Fletcher. “For so many, they want to make the trip home but just do not have the necessary finances.  And that’s where Operation Ride Home comes in – to provide those resources so that the dream of making it home to experience the joys of the season becomes a reality.”

The ASYMCA works with the various military commands in specific areas co-located with ASYMCA branches to identify and prioritize junior-enlisted service members and families most in financial need.  Service men and women from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard have traveled to all 50 states through airline tickets, pre-paid debit cards for those driving and other benefits.

“We are extremely proud to once again partner with Jack Daniel’s to make the holidays special for so many military families,” said Vice Admiral Bill French, USN (Ret.). “Thanks to funds raised for this program by Jack Daniel’s, its partners and its customers, we believe we can set a record this year and send the most military families home yet.”

Operation Ride Home is open to active-duty E-5 and below, both single and married, who might not otherwise financially be able to travel home. The option to drive or fly is an individual decision. For additional information on eligibility and to view participating installations that qualify for travel assistance, please visit https://www.asymca.org/operation-ride-home. •

{The Lynchburg Times is a locally-owned and locally-operated community newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee and one of the few women-owned newspaper in the state. It’s owned a Tulane University-educated journalist with over 20 years of experience. If it happens in Lynchburg, you’ll read it here first. Click here to support us.}