Home for the Holidays 2024

The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport has officially launched its 8th Annual “operation Home for the Holidays” Campaign, offering active-duty military members (E-4 and below) stationed locally the chance to win a free round trip flight home to visit loved ones over the holiday season.

The promotion, running from November 1st through December 5th, is open to all enlisted personnel based/stationed/posted at one of the many military bases located in the 850 or 448 area code.

One lucky service member will be randomly selected on December 6th to receive round trip air travel to be used during this December or January.

We are excited to kick off the 8th Annual ‘Operation Home for the Holidays’ campaign,” said Airports Director Tracy Stage. “The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is the world’s only Joing Use-Commercial Service Scheule Facilitated Airport, and the entire team looks forward each year to honor the servicemen and servicewomen in our local military community by offering them a chance to win a roundtrip back home during the Holiday season.”

As an airport located on the Eglin Air Force Base, the partnership is paramount to the thriving community and the airport’s level of support can be seen in the numerous military tributes across the Airport’s campus.

Our 66-year partnership is one of the County’s most coveted,” Stage commented. “We take great pride in our heritage and our strong military community. It is important to show our support and the gratitude, especially during the holidays when so many young service members are far from family.”

The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport provides commercial air service with five (5) airlines serving 50 destinations. This annual promotion is just one of the many ways the airport strives to connect with and serve its community.

For Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, this annual event is a way for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport to celebrate our troops. Ketchel says that each year she looks forward to seeing the reaction of the service member who is fortunate enough to win this opportunity to go home and be with family.

Most of us, at one time or another, have been separated from family members during the holiday season due to military service,” said Commissioner Ketchel. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for those who are serving to return home and be with family to celebrate the holidays.”

Full details on entry requirements and rules for “Operation Home for the Holidays can be found at getthecoast.com/OperationFlyVPS. With Submissions now open, local military members are encouraged to submit!

Jared Williams, Nov. 2023

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