“I truly would not have been able to go without your donation.”
“Grateful beyond words for the free flight home this past Christmas.”
“What a blessing to have been picked for this program.”
Those are just some of the words shared with us by Airmen at Minot Air Force Base who were able to travel home over the holiday season thanks to Operation Homebound – an ongoing effort to ensure as many first-term Airmen as possible can spend the holidays with their loved ones.
Each year since its inception in 2023 – and thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals – Operation Homebound has covered the airfare for more than 100 Airmen to return to their home communities. 2025 was no different: 105 tickets were booked over the most recent holiday season, made possible by $91,698 in funds raised over the course of the year at events like the Prairie Warrior Auction and Operation Homebound Day at Minot Qdoba and Jersey Mike's.
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 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.”
“It was wonderful to be able to see my daughter again for Christmas. We haven't been able to see her in so long!”
“This year has been a tough one for me. Seeing family wasn't even in the cards due to the high cost of flying out of here. Thank you so much for allowing me to end such a challenging year with a win!”
“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.”
The Minot Area Chamber EDC echoes the gratitude of the Airmen whose travel plans were covered by the generosity of our community. Thank you for supporting this meaningful cause!