Helping Airmen Make the Trip Home
For Minot Air Force Base personnel serving far from family, a plane ticket can mean time with cherished loved ones, a seat at the family table, or a long-awaited hug. That's where Operation Homebound comes in: the Minot Area Chamber EDC's ongoing initiative to raise funds to purchase airline tickets for first-term Airmen to travel home each November and December.
Since 2023, local businesses and individuals have helped Operation Homebound turn community generosity into meaningful time with loved ones. More than $340,000 has been raised, allowing for the purchase of more than 350 airline tickets.
Behiond every booked ticket is a story. To understand the profound impact of the Minot community's support of Operation Homebound, it's best to hear directly from the men and women — and their families — who have benefitted from the program:
“My grandparents are getting older and starting to have some serious health issues. It was wonderful to be able to spend this holiday season with them, especially without the added financial burden. I can't thank you enough.”
“Our daughter surprised us completely! Seeing her so unexpectedly was surreal. We had just spent our first Christmas without her and were elated to be able to ring in the new year with her here at home. Spirits were instantly high, and we caught up on hugs, kisses, and stories. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
“What a blessing to have been picked for this program.”
Help Make the Next Reunion Possible
Your donation to Operation Homebound can help purchase more airline tickets for first-term Airmen in our community.
Donate to Operation Homebound via Venmo: @MinotAreaChamberEDC
Donations may also be dropped off at the MACEDC office. For more information, contact the Minot Area Chamber EDC at 701-852-6000 or keli@minotchamberedc.com.