By: Jacob Cool, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Army, and Miles for Military Chief Operating Officer
When we booked our 1,000th flight earlier this month, I found myself thinking less about the number and more about the people behind it. On the surface, the flights represent a thousand heartwarming homecomings, holiday celebrations, graduations, birthdays, births, weddings, funerals, and many more once-in-a-lifetime memories that would not have happened without Miles for Military. At a deeper level though, every ticket also represents a service member who raised their hand twice to volunteer; first to serve our country, and then to serve at least 25-hours in their community. Looking back on the thousand reunions we’ve made possible; I wasn’t struck by the milestone itself. I was struck by the extraordinary stories of the young men and women providing hope.
While all 1,000 reunions are tearjerkers, there’s a greater story to share about the service members’ inspiring impact volunteering in all forms, from youth to high school sports, animal shelters to food banks, churches to military base quality-of-life programs, and much more. As of July 2026, our flyers volunteered more than 64,000 hours supporting more than 500 nonprofit organizations in 160+ military base communities worldwide. I’ve had the privilege of serving with many high-caliber people over my 23-year career in the Army, between specialized units, combat deployments, and overseas tours; however, nothing compares to the exceptional quality of service members I’ve gotten to know through our program who are making a greater impact in society.
Every time I read another volunteer application, I’m reminded just how much these young service members are giving back; often while balancing long hours, frequent moves, and the challenging demands of military life. It leaves me optimistic about the future. I wish everyone could spend just one afternoon reading the stories that come through our program. I have, and it’s impossible not to come away believing that this next generation of service members are making an extraordinary difference in their communities.
Senior Airman Kebreanna C. of the United States Air Force is a model example of service and ‘grow where you are planted.’ Although stationed over 900 miles away from her hometown, Kebreanna found ways to volunteer 96 hours in the local community in addition to accomplishing her military duties.
“Since joining the military, I still find ways to stay involved. I now serve as the Outreach Coordinator for my church, and we host a Serve Saturday, the last Saturday of every month, where we provide resources, hygiene products, and other essential necessities to the unsheltered population. Other times throughout the month, we partner with local non-profit organizations to offer our assistance as well… Overall, community involvement has a special place in my heart and is an active part in my life that contributes to my happiness,” says Kebreanna.
Airman First Class Luis B. is stationed over 2,300 miles away from home and hasn’t been back in more than a year. Luis used our program to travel home to attend a close friend’s wedding by volunteering 27 hours at a local foodbank.
In describing his own motivation to volunteer, Luis said, “I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am—not just for the free ticket [from Miles for Military], but for the recognition you give to volunteers. I truly enjoy volunteering at the food bank and will continue to do so even after this trip. I grew up pretty poor and relied on food banks in the past, so now that I’m able to give back, I do so wholeheartedly. I know firsthand what it’s like to be hungry, and I understand the peace and happiness these programs provide.
I know I play a small role in the impact made to my community, but whether I’m stocking food bank pantries, cleaning up, or simply helping someone load food into their car, I will continue to strive to make a positive difference.”
The passion for volunteerism is infectious as Private First-Class Zovita B. of the United States Army explains, “Volunteering during AIT [Advanced Individual Training; job-specific training conducted after Basic Training and before the first duty assignment] was honestly the highlight of my time there; I made connections with other volunteers and realized my passion for volunteer work, which I plan to continue here at Fort Bliss.”
Zovita volunteered 100 hours with the USO before applying with Miles for Military, traveling to reconnect with her two sisters, one also in the military and the other in college. It is also worthwhile to note Zovita’s outstanding leadership, as she completed Advanced Individual Training as an Honor Graduate.
Senior Airman Alfonso A.’s journey from volunteering to using the Miles for Military program is one of the most inspiring stories to me this past year. Although 1,200 miles from his hometown, Alfonso has become a mentor in his new community by volunteering 105 hours as a 7th-grade boys Group Leader at a local church. The picture on the right is a great illustration of him literally and figuratively walking beside his group, encouraging and guiding them – one can only imagine what conversations are taking place in that moment that will last the rest of the boys’ lives.
Alfonso’s military duties prevented him from traveling home for Christmas in 2024; however, with the help of Miles for Military, he was able to get home the next year. Alfonso reported to us after his trip, “I was able to spend the holidays back home in Texas with my family and my girlfriend’s family – something I truly didn’t think would be possible this year [2025]. We shared a lot of great meals, quality time, and memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.” Also during his trip home, he proposed to his girlfriend – for those that need to know, she said yes!
In closing, U.S. Special Operations Command Commander, Admiral McRaven said it best when reflecting upon his illustrious career to the University of Texas at Austin’s graduating class of 2014, “If I have learned anything in my time traveling the world, it is the power of hope…the power of one person…one person can change the world by giving people hope.”
Giving hope by delivering hygiene and essential products to the unsheltered, stocking a food pantry to feed food-insecure families providing a ‘feeling of home’ to those far from loved ones, and mentoring teenagers in need of guidance at critical times in their lives changes the world. Service members and Miles for Military flyers like Kebreanna, Luis, Zovita, Alfonso, and the 996 others are changing the world for the better by providing that hope through volunteering at the many charities in their communities. At Miles for Military, we are proud to provide hope in the form of free flights for junior enlisted service members to reunite them with their loved ones for once-in-a-lifetime moments as they change the world for the better.
Miles for Military provides free flights to eligible active-duty junior enlisted service members get home for the moments that matter.