MINOT, ND (KXNET) — Back for its third year, the Minot Area Chamber EDC's program aiming to fly airmen home for the holidays is fundraising to continue the effort.

Operation Homebound, as it's now known, is an effort to bring Minot Air Force Base airmen back to their families for the holidays. Nearly 70 airline tickets have already been booked, the chamber announced, building off the program that started in 2023.

Initially called Home for the Holidays, the program received $15,000 from Prairie Warrior Auction in 2023. Then, fundraising efforts raised more than $123,000, enough to send 115 airmen home.

In 2024, 138 tickets were booked, supported by more than $126,000 in donations.

So far, they have booked nearly 70 airline tickets this year, and are trying to raise money to book more. T

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