Q: Can my wife (husband) go with me?
A: No. At the present time, the national organization has over 6000 WWII Veterans on its national waiting list and thousands more who will apply. It is doubtful that we will get to every deserving veteran in time. Over 120 WWII Veterans have passed away while patiently waiting their turn. Hundreds more will not live long enough to visit their precious memorial. Can you image how long the waiting list would be if we added non-veteran spouses to our waiting list? The only spouses that are permitted to go are those who are veterans themselves.
Q: I am the widow of a WWII Veteran. Can I go?
A: Sadly, the answer is “no”. Again, we simply do not have the resources, funding, or seating available to transport all the WWII Veterans who are presently on our national waiting list. Adding spouses and widows simply isn’t an option for our program.
Q: How much does it cost? How much money do I need to bring?
A: The cost is FREE for the WWII and terminally ill Veterans. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs.
Q: Can my son, daughter, grandson, etc. go as a guardian?
A: Only under certain circumstances. Our TOP priority is the safe travel of ALL the veterans. A normal ratio is 8 veterans to 3 guardians. Who will or will not serve as a guardian and how many guardians will be needed is the sole responsibility of the Program Director. That decision is based upon many factors, such as:
a. How many disabled veterans are scheduled to go?
b. Of the disabled veterans going, how many will have to be physically carried on and off the bus?
c. Which guardian applicants are most qualified? Medically trained, active duty military personnel and veterans who have previously participated in a flight are given top priority and serve as leadership members. The applicants physically capable of assisting in the lifting of WWII Veterans are also a top priority. Once the director feels enough of those positions have been filled, other applicants are then considered. Again, these decisions rest solely with the Program Director.
Q: Can I make a donation to Honor Flight?
A: Honor Flight gratefully accepts donations from anyone EXCEPT WWII Veterans. We feel that WWII Veterans have given enough. This is our way of saying “Thank you!”
Q: How do you decide which veterans get to go?
A: Veterans are flown on a “first-come, first-served basis.” Within the applicants, top priority is given to WWII Veterans and all other veterans with terminal illness. Our second priority is to Korean War Veterans and then Vietnam Veterans.
Q: How are you funded?
A: Our funding comes primarily from individuals across the country who recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of Veterans and want them to see their memorial before it’s too late. Other significant contributors have been fraternal organizations like local the American Legion, VFW, Am Vets, DAV, MOPH, posts and chapters.
Q: What if the veteran is on oxygen or will need a wheelchair?
A: WHEELCHAIRS — About 30% of the veterans we have been transporting over the past three years have been in wheelchairs. Our deluxe motor coaches are ordered based upon this fact. Many of our coaches are equipped with wheelchair lifts. If there is a possibility that a veteran may need a wheelchair during one of our trips, we ask that the veteran bring their own. If a wheelchair is not available, you can usually sign one out from your local fraternal organization (VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, DAV, etc). If this still is not an option, please contact us.
OXYGEN — If the veteran requires oxygen, a prescription for the oxygen must be provided by the veteran’s healthcare provider, identifying the delivery method (mask or nasal cannula), frequency (as needed or continuously), and the rate of delivery (2-3 liters per minute). Veterans on oxygen are required to bring oxygen cylinders. No oxygen cylinders are permitted to be used on the aircraft. If the veteran requires oxygen during the trip, please contact us to discuss arrangements.
Q: Are terminally ill WWII Veterans given any special priority?
A: YES! Such veterans go to the top of the list for the next flight departing to Washington DC. Please note that on your application.
Other Questions?: Contact centralmissourihonorflight@yahoo.com
