FAQ
(Text taken from HonorFlight.Org)
Q: Can my wife (husband) go with me?
A: No, unfortunately. Nationwide, we have thousands of WWII Veterans on the waiting list and thousands more who will apply. It is doubtful that we will get to every deserving veteran in time. Over 70 WWII Veterans have passed away while patiently waiting their turn; hundreds more will not live long enough to visit their precious memorial. Can you imagine 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: How much does it cost? How much money do I need to bring?
A: For our veterans, the trip is FREE; there is no cost. 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 limited 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 volunteers, 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 Vets have given enough. Visit our Donate page to see how you can help. http://honorflightchicago.org/donate.html
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: What if there is no Honor Flight program in my state?
A: If a program does not exist in your part of the country, SEND AN APPLICATION (to Ohio) ANY WAY. Once the application has been received, you will be invited to participate on a flight in your general region of the country. You will be responsible for obtaining travel to and from that region. Example: You live in Minneapolis Minnesota. Once a seat becomes available for you on a flight out of Fargo, North Dakota, you would be responsible for getting to and from Fargo. Once there, Honor Flight would cover the cost of the trip from Fargo, to DC and back again. If you have been on our national waiting list for over 6 months, you will be eligible to participate in our Lone Eagles program. Please read the web page concerning this special program.
Q: How are you funded?
A: Honor Flight Chicago receives no government sponsorship. Our funding comes from individuals and businesses that 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 AmVets and VFW posts and chapters.
Q: What if a 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 can usually provide a chair for him. If the vet has his own chair, he may bring it. Please contact our offices at 773-227-VETS with any questions.
OXYGEN -- If a veteran requires oxygen, a prescription for the oxygen must be provided by the veteran's health care provider, identifying the delivery method (mask or nasal cannula), frequency (as needed or continuously), and the rate of delivery (2-3 liters per minute). Honor Flight will provide an FAA approved oxygen concentrator for use during the trip. We also provide oxygen cylinders to be used at the memorials. Veterans on oxygen are required to have oxygen cylinders available from their home to the departure airport and also on the return from their local airport back to their homes. No oxygen cylinders are permitted to be used on the aircraft. If a veteran requires oxygen during the trip, please call us at 773-227-VETS 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. Not only are WWII Veterans given this top priority, but any terminally ill Korean or Vietnam Veteran, who has never been able to visit his/her memorial, is given the same priority.
Q: How can I start an HFN Hub in my part of the country?
A: Please call 937-521-2400 and ask to speak with Earl Morse. He can also be reached via email at president@honorflight.org.
Q: Who is in charge of the program?
A: Throughout the United States there are several programs that operate in conjunction with Honor Flight. The individual program directors are part of a partnership called the Honor Flight Network. This governing body establishes general protocols, policies, credentialing, and maintains a national website and oversight of several programs. The Honor Flight program was founded by Earl Morse, who serves as president. The program is based out of Springfield Ohio. Honor Flight Headquarters can be reached at 937-521-2400, or emailed at info@honorflight.org. The mailing address is:
Honor Flight, Inc.
300 East Auburn Ave.
Springfield, OH 45505-4703
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