LYNCHBURG — The Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) are kicking off Operation Ride Home (ORH) for year number 15. The program helps junior-enlisted service members and their families travel home for the holidays. Since its inception in 2011, ORH has brought 14,361 service members and their loved ones together, ensuring they can create cherished holiday memories.
In honor of the 15th anniversary of ORH, Jack Daniel’s has increased its annual campaign kick-off donation to $150,000 and is asking their friends to visit operationridehome.com to contribute to the cause.
“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 Master Distiller Chris Fletcher. “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.”
To raise money for the worthy cause, the distillery sells the barrels used in the annual Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree beginning on December 1. One hundred percent of the sell of those barrel benefits ORH. This year, the distillery will erect barrel trees in Buffalo, Los Angeles, Nashville, New Brunswick, San Antonio, San Francisco, Washington DC, Tampa, Oklahoma City, and, of course, Lynchburg.
Local officials will light the Lynchburg Barrel Tree on Saturday, December 6 following the annual Christmas in Lynchburg Parade at 5:30 p.m.
Over $3.5 million raised to date
More than $3.5 million has been raised to date by the 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.
“Thanks to Jack Daniel’s, countless military families will be reunited this holiday season,” said Vice Admiral William French, USN (Ret.), President and Chief Executive Officer, 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.”
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.
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, click here. •
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