Submitted Photo Minot Air Force Base commanders, command chiefs and several Minot Area Chamber EDC Military Affairs Committee members gather with some of the Minot AFB airmen who will be visiting their families and friends in 2025 through Operation Homebound.

The Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) announces through its Operation Homebound program nearly 70 airline tickets have already been booked to help Minot Air Force Base airmen travel home for the holidays beginning in November and continuing through December.

Formerly known as Home for the Holidays, this is the third year of the MACEDC initiative now with a new name – Operation Homebound, according to MACEDC information.

The program is done to ensure as many first-term airmen as possible can spend the holidays with their families and friends.

With an initial $15,000 allocation from the Prairie Warrior Auction, MACEDC launched the program built on community partnership and promise that every donated dollar would go directly toward purchasing airline tickets to send airmen home.

In 2023, 115 airmen were sent home, supported by more than $123,000 in donations. In 2024, 138 tickets were booked, supported by more than $126,000 raised.

This year, already nearly 70 tickets have been booked, with additional fundraising activities planned.

“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, commander of the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB.

“Many thanks to our community volunteers, military spouses and first sergeants for making this holiday magic happen,” added Col. Jesse Lamarand, commander of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB.

“Operation Homebound directly aligns with our military support pillar of advocating and supporting airmen and families,” Brekka Kramer, MACEDC president-CEO, said. “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.”

The fundraising for 2025 continues. On Thursday, Dec. 4, two Minot Qdoba locations and Minot Jersey Mike’s will donate 100% of their sales to Operation Homebound. Direct donations may also be made through the MACEDC office or via Venmo at @MinotAreaChamberEDC. For more information on supporting Operation Homebound contact MACEDC.