Over 1,000 Slated to Travel This Year Bringing Total Number of Recipients
to Nearly 13,000 Through Program Since 2011
Lynchburg, TN (November 9, 2023) – The Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services
YMCA (ASYMCA) today kicked off the 13th year of their “Operation Ride Home” (ORH)
campaign with over 1,000 junior-enlisted service members and family members slated to make
the trip home to see loved ones this holiday season. Nearly 13,000 people have traveled since
the beginning of the program in 2011.
In keeping with its financial commitment since ORH began, Jack Daniel’s has once again made a
$100,000 donation and is asking friends to visit operationridehome.com where they can
contribute to the cause. Nearly $3 million has been raised by the famed 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. But for every service member and family helped, there are ten who are waiting,
according to ASYMCA officials.
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 has provided life-changing experiences for these heroes and their
families, and it is a true honor and privilege for all of us at Jack Daniel’s to help get them home,”
said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “For so many of our junior-enlisted, the cost
of travel is out of reach for them, but this assistance helps ensure they’ll be where they need to be
during the holidays – at home with family, friends and the ones they love.”
“For the last 13 years, the Armed Services YMCA and Jack Daniel’s has made home for the
holidays a reality for junior-enlisted service members and their families,” said ASYMCA CEO
Bill French, VADM, USN (Ret.) “This gift means so much to these deserving military families,
and it would not be possible without the generosity of Jack Daniel’s.”
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.
About Jack Daniel’s:
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack
Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National
Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old
No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s
Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee
Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select
and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more
than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as
recognized by Interbrand.
Please Drink Responsibly.
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, 40% alc. by vol. Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg,
Tennessee. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark. ©2023 Jack Daniel’s. All rights
reserved.
About the Armed Services YMCA:
The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is the oldest military support organization in the
United States, founded in 1861. The ASYMCA’s mission enhances the lives of active-duty junior
enlisted military members and their families in spirit, mind and body through programs relevant
to the unique challenges of military life. In 2022, the ASYMCA engaged nearly 200,000
individuals and delivered more than 550,000 points of service through its 12 Branches and 24
Affiliate Partners, serving 89 military installations across the U.S. To learn more about how the
ASYMCA is “Strengthening Our Military Family(R)” visitwww.asymca.org.
