Operation Ride Home
Military families are frequently stationed far from their loved ones, which can create feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially during the holidays. That’s why it’s so important to send junior enlisted military families home for the holidays — to celebrate, reconnect with family and friends, and feel rejuvenated.
By offering financial assistance, ASYMCA and Jack Daniel’s are making travel home possible for E1-E5 service members, their spouses and dependent children ages 0-18 who are most in need.
Reconnecting military families during the holidays is one small way Operation Ride Home is strengthening military families. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E1-E5 personnel, both single and married, and their dependent children ages 0-18 who are stationed at an installation served by one of ASYMCA’s 13 local branches. Each ASYMCA branch reviews eligible applications to identify those in need of financial assistance who might not otherwise financially be able to travel home.
The 2024 application process is closed, and we are no longer accepting applications for Operation Ride Home. Our Branches are busy contacting applicants with status updates and coordinating travel arrangements. Please contact your local ASYMCA Branch with any questions.
Generous annual donations from Jack Daniel’s, partner organizations, and donors like you make this program possible. You can help make holidays brighter for a military family by making a gift, fundraising, or participating in one of the fundraisers hosted by the ASYMCA or Jack Daniels!
Jack Daniel's Barrel Trees
Purchase raw oak whiskey barrels from select Jack Daniel’s Barrel Trees across the United States! Locations are limited and restrictions apply. Follow the link for more info.
Start a Fundraiser
Whether it’s making a gift or starting a fundraiser large or small, your contribution can help send more service members and military families home for the holidays.
Since Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home program began in 2011, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA have helped 1,438 individual junior-enlisted service members, spouses and their children travel home for the holidays.
American Airlines is proud to be the official airline of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home, helping to bring military families fly home and reconnect them with their loved ones over the holidays.
Each year, the number of military families asking for help to get home for the holidays exceeds the funding available. You can close this gap and help ensure no military family is left behind during the holidays.