Operation Ride Home

Reconnecting military families during the holidays is one small way Operation Ride Home is strengthening military families. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E1-E5 personnel, both single and married, who might not otherwise financially be able to travel home. The ASYMCA works with the various military commands in areas co-located with our 12 Branches to identify and prioritize junior-enlisted service members and families most in financial need. Subsidized plane tickets and prepaid debit cards for road travel help to offset travel expenses.

• Travel assistance of up to $500 per airline ticket or a $125 prepaid gift card for vehicle travel per eligible family member
• Flights will be booked by an ASYMCA travel agent. Airfare booked outside of this process will not be reimbursed.
• Travel destination must be at least 350 miles from the service member’s installation, and must be within the United States.
• Service members or military spouses must complete an application in its entirety, including a signed Command Approval Form in order to be considered

• Applicants must be Active Duty E5 or below (dependents may not complete the application unless their service member is currently deployed)
• Family members must travel with their service member, unless he/she is deployed at the time of travel
• To apply through ASYMCA Fort Leonard Wood, applicants must be stationed at Fort Leonard Wood (if you’re located at another installation please contact your local ASYMCA for details)
• A completed command-approval form is required to be submitted with application
• Other relatives, including parents, grandparents and siblings, are not eligible to receive assistance

The application period for Operation Ride Home is closed for 2023. Application period will will re-open in September of 2024.