A routine afternoon at the Panzer Main Exchange turned into a powerful moment of gratitude and surprise when U.S. Air Force Maj. Jarret Flexman, Chief of Plans and Exercises at Special Operations Command Europe, was named the 2025 Military AutoSource (MAS) Ford Operation Homeward Bound European winner. Flexman was presented the $2,500 Delta Air Lines gift card on Dec. 4, as it was intended to bring military families closer during the holidays.
For the eighth year in a row, MAS and Ford are giving service members the chance to reconnect with loved ones through Operation Homeward Bound, a program aimed at easing the financial burden of overseas travel and enabling reunions that might otherwise be out of reach. This year, three service members received a $2,500 Delta gift card each, three opportunities to go home and make memories.
Flexman, who believed he was simply stopping by the Exchange for some quick errands and photos with Santa, quickly realized something special was underway as Exchange and MAS representatives gathered to present him with the gift. His selection rose above nearly 400 nominations across Europe, largely because of the heartfelt submission written by his wife, Jessica.
“My husband is the most selfless and supportive man I know,” she wrote. “His heart is always with his family, but circumstances have made being there in person incredibly difficult.”
She noted that recent family challenges have made time together especially meaningful, and that travel assistance would allow him to reconnect and provide support where it is needed most. Her words reflect the quiet sacrifices often made behind the uniform and the importance of being able to show up for family during life’s most challenging moments.
When asked about the prize, Flexman couldn’t help but smile.
“Very surprising,” he said. “I never would have expected anything like this for me or my family.”
He expressed deep appreciation that MAS and Ford would step forward in such a personal and meaningful way. “It’s amazing that they do things like this, taking care of Airmen in this way. It’s extremely appreciated.”
Operation Homeward Bound, first launched by MAS and Ford as a salute to service members, has become a beloved annual tradition. MAS, which has supported the U.S. military community for 65 years, understands the hardships and separation that come with military life. Overseas travel, often necessary for milestones like graduations, weddings, farewells or simply reconnecting, comes at a steep cost. The program exists to ease that burden and to recognize the dedication of those who serve.
That mission is reflected most clearly in the voices of leaders and service members who see firsthand the difference the program makes.
Col. Edward J. Sanford, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Commander said, “Service members stationed overseas can miss out on some of life’s most important moments with family back home while they’re serving their country, but I’m grateful that our USAG Stuttgart community members are able to access an opportunity like this and reunite with their loved ones.”
Flexman said the timing of this gift could not have been better.
“It’s been a really hard time for our family,” he said. “This means a lot. It’s very heartwarming.”
He said the Delta gift card will be used to reunite with family members back home in Florida.
“Buying four plane tickets from Germany… that’s a huge financial relief for anyone,” he added. “This gives us the chance to be together.”
As he held the gift card, Flexman reflected on what the gesture truly represented. “It’s not just a financial gift, it’s a family gift,” he said. “It couldn’t have come at a better time.”
The presentation drew a round of applause from the crowd gathered inside the Panzer Main Exchange, creating a moment that captured the spirit of the holiday season: generosity, compassion and community support for those who serve.
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