LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — The Jack Daniel Distillery and Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) today announced the fifth year of its “” (ORH) campaign that assists junior-enlisted service members’ and their families’ travel from military bases to homes across the country this holiday season.
Through ORH, 1,557 single service members and those with families – for a total of 3,549 individuals – have been given the gift of home the last four years. Troops from every branch of service have been assisted and traveled to 47 of the 50 states.
Working with the various military commands, the ASYMCA helps identify and prioritize those junior-enlisted service members and families most in financial need. Vouchers are provided for plane tickets and pre-paid debit cards are given to assist those who are driving. The famed distillery has once again donated $100,000 to kick off the campaign, and is asking friends to visit Jack Daniel’s if they’d like to contribute to the effort. All donations are 100 percent tax deductible.
“All of us here at the distillery fully support our military and thank all of those heroes who have served in uniform and sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” said Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “ has truly been transformational in the lives of so many of our service members and their families, and we hope all of our friends will join with us this year so even more of them can spend the holidays with their families.”
“The Armed Services YMCA is proud to be partnering with Jack Daniel’s on ,” said William French, ASYMCA President and CEO. “I share Jeff Arnett’s hope that more will join in supporting this important program bringing the joy of the holiday season to so many of our heroes and their families.”
ORH 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. Plane ticket vouchers are limited to $400 per person flying and for those choosing to drive, the pre-paid debit cards are $100 per family member for gas, lodging and food. For additional information on eligibility and participating installations, please visit Operation Ride Home.
