Family in Flight: In the News

Ruck Up Butter Cup Podcast

In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, the hosts interview Chelsea, the founder of the nonprofit organization Family and Flight. Chelsea discusses the mission of her organization, which aims to provide emotional and financial support to military families who are geo-batching, living in different states due to service commitments. She shares her personal experience of being a geo-batching spouse and the challenges that come with it, emphasizing the importance of intentional communication and therapy. The episode also highlights upcoming initiatives, such as their first virtual 5K fundraiser, and discusses the need for volunteers and corporate sponsors to support their mission.

Navigating Distance: The Monumental Impact of Family in Flight

In Wives of the Armed Forces’ moving profile, Family in Flight is highlighted for its profound impact on military families enduring long-term separations offering more than just travel grants, but also heartfelt emotional support and community resources. The article emphasizes how our work helps ease the loneliness and stress of geo‑baching families, enabling meaningful reunions and reinforcing bonds strained by duty and distance. 

Great Day Live Interview

Family in Flight recently joined WTSP’s Great Day Live to highlight our “Strides for Service” 5K event—a virtual run and fundraiser dedicated to reuniting military families separated by duty. 

Held on April 5, 2025, the virtual event encouraged community members to run or walk “together” from wherever they are wearing their Family in Flight shirts, sharing photos online, and building support for a meaningful mission. 

Voyage Tampa Magazine Interview 

In a heartfelt “Hidden Gems” profile by VoyageTampa, Chelsea Thomas shares her journey from military spouse to nonprofit trailblazer. She describes how Family in Flight was born from her deep-rooted desire to support geo‑baching military families turning lived experience into meaningful action .
Chelsea’s vision shines through: leveraging passion, personal insight, and community to help families physically reconnect, even when duty demands separation. 

Morning Blend Interview

As recently spotlighted on ABC Action News' Morning Blend, Family in Flight helps military families separated by service reunite by covering travel costs, whether by plane, train, bus, or even gas money.

Beyond financial aid, we offer a supportive community through monthly virtual meetups, resources, and encouragement for families navigating separation before, during, and after geo-baching. 

Success Showcase Podcast

Success Showcase, hosts Eric Lopkin and Chip Janiszewski welcome special guest Chelsea Thomas, founder of the nonprofit Family in Flight. Chelsea opens up about the often-overlooked challenge of geo-baching—when military spouses and families live apart due to duty assignments—and how it impacts everything from parenting and home maintenance to emotional well-being and communication.

Separated by Duty, United in Love: One Couple’s Geo-Baching Journey

Our founder and her husband share their deeply personal look into the realities of geo-baching. What it’s like to build a life, raise a family, and hold love together across state lines.

This story is raw, honest, and a reminder that even when separated by duty, love finds a way.

Her Story Podcast - Women Inspiring Women

In this episode of Her Story Podcast, we sit down with Chelsea Thomas, founder of Family in Flight, a nonprofit dedicated to reuniting military families through travel assistance and community support. 

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Chelsea shares her journey of navigating a long-distance military marriage, the challenges of balancing nonprofit leadership with a career in cancer research, and how one personal struggle grew into a mission of hope for military spouses and loved ones nationwide.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilience, sacrifice, and the strength of community.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major platforms!

Want to Share Our Story?

We’d love to connect! If you're interested in featuring Family in Flight on your media outlet, podcast, or publication, reach out to us. Whether in person or virtually, we’re happy to schedule a conversation and share how we're making a difference for military families.