April 9, 2026 — The Ben Jackson Foundation is proud to announce the 11 recipients of its Ticket Home Travel Awards for April 2026. These awards provide much-needed financial assistance to newly enlisted U.S. military personnel, helping them reunite with family and friends after arriving at their first permanent duty stations.
This month’s awardees are traveling home from a diverse range of domestic and international bases, including locations in the United Kingdom, Idaho, Japan, Germany, Guam, Italy, and Nevada. The recipients serve across multiple branches of the armed forces: the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marines.
Their journeys will take them back to hometowns in Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, California, Ohio, Texas, and Kentucky. Each award helps cover travel expenses—typically $500 for domestic travel or up to $1,000 for those returning from overseas—so these dedicated service members can enjoy a well-deserved visit home.
“These young men and women have made a significant commitment to serve our country, often far from the support of their families,” said Larry Jackson, foundation president. “The Ben Jackson Foundation is honored to help ease the financial burden of that first trip home, allowing them to reconnect with loved ones and recharge before continuing their important service.”
The Ticket Home Travel Awards are made possible through the generous donations of individuals and organizations across the country who believe in supporting America’s newest service members.
The Ben Jackson Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to all 11 April 2026 award recipients. We wish them safe travels and meaningful time with their families.
Here are the April 2026 Awardees
- Awan, Muhammad Junaid Khan (Air Force): RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom to New York
- Anonymous (Air Force): Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho to Ohio
- Dixon, James (Air Force): RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom to California
- Hill, Hunter (Marine Corps): Camp Kinser, Japan to North Carolina
- Anonymous (Air Force): Misawa Air Base, Japan to Texas
- New, Caleb (Air Force): Aviano Air Base, Italy to Kentucky
- Noah, Noah Gutowski (Marine Corps): Camp Hansen, Japan to Texas
- Anonymous (Air Force): Creech Air Force Base, Nevada to Michigan
- Anonymous (Air Force): Ramstein Air Base, Germany to North Carolina
- Anonymous (Air Force): Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to Minnesota
- Anonymous (Air Force): Misawa Air Base, Japan to Florida
For more information about the Ben Jackson Foundation, how to apply for a Ticket Home Award, or how to support the mission through donations, please visit benjacksonfoundation.org.
