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Jack Daniel's and the ASYMCA Launch 15th Year of "Operation Ride Home" Helping Service Members and Their Families Go Home for the Holidays

via Business Wire

14,361 people have traveled home through the program since 2011

For the 15th consecutive year, the Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) are joining forces for "Operation Ride Home" (ORH), a program that 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 Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller, Jack Daniel’s. “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.”

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, 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 Blackberry, Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola. 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. Distilled and bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark. ©2025 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)" visit www.asymca.org.

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