As the holiday season draws near, the spirit of giving and togetherness shines brightly through Operation Homebound, a remarkable initiative by the Minot Area Chamber EDC. Now entering its third consecutive year, this community-driven program continues its heartfelt mission—helping Minot Air Force Base (AFB) airmen and women travel home to reunite with their families during the holidays.
Empowering Airmen Through Community Support
Launched in 2023, Operation Homebound has already made a profound difference in the lives of many. In just two years, more than 250 airmen have been able to travel home, experiencing the warmth of family and the joy of the season thanks to generous community contributions. This year alone, nearly 70 airline tickets have already been secured, underscoring the program’s growth and unwavering community support.
The program, previously known as Home for the Holidays, was rebranded to better reflect its expanding mission. Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, the chamber’s military liaison, shared that the name “Operation Homebound” represents something far greater than just holiday travel.
“It’s expensive to fly out of Minot, and they don’t make that kind of money that’s just easy to buy a plane ticket and go home,” Rosselli-Sullivan explained. “They’re homesick, and we want to be that support system—to send them off and allow them to spend precious time with their families during Thanksgiving and New Year’s.”
A New Identity with a Bigger Vision
The rebranding of Operation Homebound was not merely a change in name but a reflection of its expanded purpose and vision. The program no longer confines itself solely to the winter holidays. Instead, it embraces the idea that family connection and emotional well-being are year-round priorities for airmen stationed far from home.
Rosselli-Sullivan elaborated that some service members may not always have the chance to go home during peak travel periods. Thus, Operation Homebound now assists with flexible travel opportunities, enabling airmen to visit loved ones in the spring or summer months if needed.
This evolution highlights the program’s adaptability and continued commitment to addressing the emotional needs of military personnel, especially those early in their service careers who may be experiencing homesickness for the first time.
Strengthening Community Bonds in Minot
The Minot community has long stood behind its airmen, and Operation Homebound serves as a shining example of that partnership. Through donations, local business collaborations, and volunteer efforts, this initiative has become a symbol of unity and appreciation for those who serve.
This year, for the first time, Operation Homebound has joined forces with Qdoba and Jersey Mike’s in Minot. Both restaurant chains have pledged to donate 100% of their sales on December 4th to the program—a testament to the city’s unwavering support for its military community.
Kristi Rosselli-Sullivan, District Manager with Qdoba, expressed immense enthusiasm for this partnership:
“We really started to get involved and saw what this program was about last year at the Prairie Warrior Auction,” she said. “Qdoba catered the event, and witnessing the impact and the energy behind it inspired us. This isn’t about Qdoba or Jersey Mike’s—it’s about the community of Minot coming together to make a meaningful difference.”
How Operation Homebound Changes Lives
For many first-term airmen stationed at Minot AFB, financial limitations can make travel difficult. The average cost of airfare from Minot can be steep, especially during the holiday rush. Operation Homebound bridges that gap, ensuring that those who serve our nation can return home to loved ones without financial strain.
The emotional impact of this initiative cannot be overstated. Spending time with family has been shown to significantly improve mental health, morale, and motivation—elements essential for maintaining focus and resilience in demanding military environments. By helping airmen reconnect with home, Operation Homebound plays a vital role in fostering emotional stability and strengthening the bond between military personnel and the community they serve.
The Evolution from “Home for the Holidays” to “Operation Homebound”
The transition from “Home for the Holidays” to “Operation Homebound” marks a strategic evolution. While the former focused solely on year-end celebrations, the latter encompasses a broader mission—providing consistent support for airmen throughout the year.
This transformation demonstrates a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by service members stationed in remote or isolated areas. Minot Air Force Base, located in North Dakota, is one of the coldest and most geographically secluded bases in the country. For many stationed there, the feeling of isolation can be overwhelming. Operation Homebound helps alleviate this by creating opportunities for connection, belonging, and comfort.
A Model for Other Communities to Follow
Operation Homebound’s success has sparked interest beyond North Dakota, serving as a model for other military-supporting communities nationwide. Its effectiveness lies in its simplicity—community members and businesses coming together to fund travel costs for deserving service members.
The initiative embodies shared responsibility and gratitude, two values that resonate deeply within both military and civilian populations. By working collaboratively, the Minot Area Chamber EDC has demonstrated how local action can lead to national inspiration.
Upcoming Fundraisers and Community Involvement
This year’s Qdoba and Jersey Mike’s fundraiser on December 4th is anticipated to be a major milestone for the program. Community members are encouraged to dine at either establishment that day, knowing that every dollar spent directly benefits Operation Homebound.
In addition to these efforts, the Prairie Warrior Auction, a long-standing tradition, continues to play a crucial role in generating awareness and funding. Each year, the auction brings together local leaders, business owners, and families in support of Minot’s airmen, turning goodwill into tangible action.
Celebrating the Human Side of Service
At its core, Operation Homebound is about more than travel assistance—it’s about restoring a sense of normalcy and connection to those who sacrifice so much for their country. For the men and women of Minot Air Force Base, the ability to hug a parent, share a meal, or simply sit with loved ones offers profound emotional renewal.
This initiative stands as a reminder that behind every uniform is a person with a family, dreams, and a longing for home. Through the power of community, Operation Homebound continues to make those reunions possible—one ticket, one story, and one family at a time.
A Grateful Community Moving Forward
As Operation Homebound celebrates its third successful year, its mission continues to grow stronger, supported by an entire city dedicated to giving back to its defenders. The program embodies the true essence of the holidays—compassion, unity, and gratitude.
With every donation, partnership, and ticket purchased, Minot proves that when a community stands together, it can bring its heroes home.