Home » News »

Operation Homebound Launches 3rd Year with Nearly 70 Airmen Already Set to Travel Home for the Holidays

Posted: Oct 31 2025

For hundreds of Minot Air Force Base airmen, there’s no better gift than time spent with loved ones, and thanks to the Minot community, that gift is once again within reach. As the holiday season approaches, the Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) is proud to announce that nearly 70 airline tickets have already been booked to help Minot Air Force Base (MAFB) airmen travel home beginning in November and continuing through December - a strong start to the MACEDC program’s third year.

Formerly known as Home for the Holidays, the MACEDC initiative has a new name: Operation Homebound. While the title has evolved, the mission remains unchanged: to ensure as many first-term airmen as possible can spend the holidays with the families and friends who matter most.

What began in 2023 with a simple question following a Military Affairs Committee meeting - “How can the community do more?” - has grown into one of Minot’s most heartfelt annual traditions. After learning that four airmen were able to travel through the original MAFB run program known as Operation Bright Holiday, the MACEDC board of directors rallied to create a broader, community-driven solution. With an initial $15,000 allocation from the Prairie Warrior Auction, MACEDC launched a program built on community partnership and a promise that every donated dollar would go directly toward purchasing airline tickets to send airmen home.

The impact was immediate.
• 2023: 115 airmen sent home, supported by more than $123,000 in donations.
• 2024: 138 tickets booked, powered by more than $126,000 raised.
• 2025: Already nearly 70 tickets booked, with additional fundraising activities planned.

The rebrand to Operation Homebound reflects both the program’s growth and its purpose. “It’s a wonderful gesture. This beautiful Minot tradition is a perfect reminder of how lucky we are to be serving our nation in such a special place,” said Col. Jimmy Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing Commander. “Many thanks to our community volunteers, military spouses and First Sergeants for making this holiday magic happen,” added Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing Commander.

For MACEDC, the name change reinforces a long-term vision. “Operation Homebound directly aligns with our military support pillar of advocating and supporting airmen and families,” said Brekka Kramer, MACEDC President | CEO. “Minot isn’t Minot without Minot Air Force Base. Our military members carry out our nation’s most important mission, and we’ll always look for ways to serve those who serve us. We are proud of the strong community support for this program.”

Fundraising for 2025 continues. On December 4, two Minot Qdoba locations and Minot Jersey Mike’s will donate 100% of their sales to Operation Homebound, meaning every meal purchased helps send another airman home. Direct donations may also be made through the MACEDC office or via Venmo at @MinotAreaChamberEDC.

For more information on how you or your business can support Operation Homebound, please contact the Minot Area Chamber EDC at 701-852-6000 or email keli@minotchamberedc.com

Minot Air Force Base Commanders, Command Chiefs, and Minot Area Chamber EDC Military Affairs Committee Members gather with some of the MAFB Airmen who will be visiting loved ones in 2025 through Operation Homebound.