CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Jack Daniel’s and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) have kicked off their “Operation Ride Home.”
This program provides financial assistance to active duty junior-enlisted military and their families to travel from their place of military service to back home for the holidays.
Since Operation Ride Home began, a total of 6,410 individual junior-enlisted service members and their family members have travelled from their bases to homes around the country for the holidays. Men and women from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have been assisted with travel to 47 of the 50 states.
“It means so much for us to be able to give back and help our military heroes and their families spend time with their loved ones,” said Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “The overwhelming support for Operation Ride Home has been heartwarming and we’re very grateful. Our goal every year with this worthy program is to get as many service members and their families home as possible.”
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. Plane tickets and pre-paid debit cards are given to assist those traveling.
Jack Daniel’s has once again donated $100,000 to kick off the campaign. The famed distillery is asking friends to visit www.jdoperationridehome.com and make a contribution to help more service members spend the holidays at home. All donations are 100 percent tax deductible.
Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, who might not otherwise financially be able to travel home for the holidays. 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 ASYMCA website.