Campaign helps military members get home for the holidays

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (AP) — The Jack Daniel's Distillery is teaming with a military support group to help military service members and their families get home for the holidays.

The "Operation Ride Home" campaign is in its sixth year. It helps active duty junior-enlisted military members and their families travel from their place of military service back home during the holidays.

Jack Daniel's officials say since the campaign began, nearly 2,100 service members have participated. Men and women from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard have been assisted with travel to 47 states.

The Armed Services YMCA plays a role in the campaign. The organization works with military commands to identify service members and families most in financial needs. Plane tickets and pre-paid debit cards are given to assist those traveling.