Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 5:45 p.m. at Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, as part of its "Operation Ride Home" program, which has helped junior-enlisted service members and their families travel home for the holidays since 2011.
Representatives from the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jack Daniels will be on hand to help illuminate the tree during a special lighting ceremony that is open to the community.
Through Operation Ride Home, Jack Daniels and the Armed Services YMCA have helped send more than 10,000 service members and their families home - including this year's travelers - while raising more than $2 million in donations. Men and women from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard have been assisted with travel to all 50 states. The charred oak barrels used to build each tree were earlier entrusted to mature Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey only once.
The Operation Ride Home barrel tree auction begins Dec. 1. To bid on a barrel and support military families, visit www.jackdaniels.com.