General FAQ
Q: WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE PROGRAM?
A: Throughout the United states, there are a number of "hubs" that operate in conjunction as part of the Honor Flight Network, the national effort to honor our most senior Veterans. This governing body establishes general protocols, policies, credentialing, and maintains a national website and oversight of several programs.
You can reach the leadership for Honor Flight Louisiana by writing and/or calling:
Honor Flight Louisiana, Inc.
7516 Bluebonnet Blvd., #241
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810
(225) 366-8562
You can also use the contact form, located on the "Contact Us" page, to contact Honor Flight Louisiana.
Q: HOW DO I GET AN APPLICATION?
A: Veteran and Guardian applications can be downloaded from our website under the "Applications" page, or you may call us at (225) 366-8562 to request one be mailed to you.
Q: HOW ARE VETERANS AND GUARDIANS SELECTED?
A: VETERANS are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Right now, we are accepting applications for World War II, Korean War veterans, and terminally-ill veterans of any major conflict. However, priority will be given to World War II veterans throughout the application process.
GUARDIANS are selected by our Flight Selection Team based on a number of factors. The number of Guardians varies depending on the needs of the Veterans on that particular flight. Guardians must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and no more than sixty-four (64) years of age. They should also be able to easily lift 100 pounds, as they will be assisting Veterans into or out of wheelchairs, up and down stairs, etc. First priority will be given to medically trained volunteers and currently/prior serving military personnel. Guardians do pay for their trip and must attend a mandatory training session.
NOTE: Family members of Veterans are invited to apply to be a part of our Guardian team. However, we are unable to guarantee they will be invited on the flight. When filling out a Guardian application, it is important that you indicate the Veteran you wish to fly with. In order to ensure the safety of all on our flight, Guardians are selected based on a number of factors. There are a limited number of spots available for family member Guardians on each flight, so unfortunately not all family members who apply to be Guardians will be able to accompany their Veteran on a flight. Available spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Q: HOW ARE YOU FUNDED?
A: Our funding comes primarily from individuals across the proud state of Louisiana who recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of our Veterans and who want them to see their memorial before it is too late. Other significant contributors may be fraternal organizations like local American Legion, VFW, Am Vets, DAV, MOPH, posts and chapters, as well as various corporations. However, donations from anyone or anywhere are accepted.
All donations are tax-deductible.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? WHO PAYS FOR THE TRIP?
A: Our veterans have already sacrificed and given so much through their service to our country, therefore we feel they should not have to pay for the trip. All expenses for their Honor Flight are covered.
Flights are funded by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other groups who wish to be an important part of honoring these heroes. No funding is received from the Government. Guardians pay $550 each (as of August 23, 2019) for the honor of escorting a Veteran to Washington D.C. to visit their memorial.
Q: WHAT IF THE VETERAN IS ON OXYGEN OR WILL NEED A WHEELCHAIR?
A:WHEELCHAIRS — It is encouraged for our Veterans to use a wheelchair on their Honor Flight. Our deluxe motor coaches are ordered based upon this fact. Many of our coaches are equipped with wheelchair lifts.
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). Honor Flight Network will provide an FAA-approved oxygen concentrator for use during the trip if local oxygen equipment is not available. We also provide oxygen cylinders to be used at the memorials. If an overnight stay in the D.C. area is required, we will provide an overnight concentrator for use in the hotel room. 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.
Q: HOW DO VETERANS IN WHEELCHAIRS TRAVEL AROUND WASHINGTON, D.C.?
A: The Honor Flight Network is generously supported by the premiere motor coach company in Maryland, Dillon’s Bus Service. All of their buses are wheelchair lift equipped.
Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
A: DONATIONS are gratefully accepted from all non-veterans and more information is available on the “Donate” page. Our aim is to also hold various events around Louisiana and throughout the year to help raise the necessary funds. These will be highlighted on our home page when they become available.
VOLUNTEERS are also needed. It takes many dedicated volunteers to make these trips happen.
Veteran FAQ
Q: CAN MY WIFE (HUSBAND) COME WITH ME?
A: Unfortunately, no. Our mission is to get to every deserving veteran to their memorial in time. Many World War II veterans around the country have passed away while patiently waiting their turn. Hundreds more will not live long enough to visit their precious memorial. If we added non-veteran spouses to our waiting list, it would inhibit the ability for those Veterans awaiting their turn. The only spouses who 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: The cost is FREE for World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and terminally ill Veteran. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs.
Q: CAN MY SON, DAUGHTER, GRANDSON, ETC. BE A GUARDIAN?
A: Only under certain limited circumstances. Our TOP priority is the safe travel of ALL the veterans. A normal ratio is ONE Veteran to ONE Honor Flight Guardian. Who will or will not serve as an Honor Flight Guardian, and how many Honor Flight Guardians will be needed, is the sole responsibility of our Medical and Administrative Directors. That decision is based upon many factors, such as but not limited:
How many disabled veterans are scheduled to go?
Of the disabled veterans going, how many will have to be physically assisted getting on and off the bus?
Which guardian applicants are most qualified?
Medically trained, currently serving or prior military personnel and veterans who have previously participated in an Honor Flight are given top priority and serve as leadership members. The applicants physically capable of assisting in the lifting of our veterans are also a top priority. Once the Medical and Administrative Directors feel enough of those positions have been filled, other applicants are then considered.
Q: WHAT DO I WEAR THE DAY OF THE FLIGHT AND DURING THE TRIP?
A: As a Veteran, please feel free to wear all or any part of your uniform. For those who do not plan to wear all or part of their uniform, our goal is to provide Veterans with a T-shirt commemorating their trip, but it is also recommended (depending on the time of year) to bring a windbreaker or jacket.
Guardian FAQ
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO BRING?
A: The cost for each Guardian per trip is set at $550 (as of August 23, 2019). The donations received by Honor Flight Louisiana go directly to administering the program and providing a cost-free trip for our Veterans. In the future, the cost may go down depending on the amount of donations received.
Corporations, companies, or other groups are allowed to sponsor both Veterans and Guardians; however, Veterans will be given priority. Again, all donations are tax-deductible.
Q: WHEN AND WHERE DO I PAY MY $550 GUARDIAN FEE?
A: Guardian fees are due once a guardian has been notified they are on a specific flight. Guardian fees can then be paid through our website, be brought to the mandatory guardian training session, or mailed to Honor Flight Louisiana, 7516 Bluebonnet Blvd., #241, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.
Q: WHAT DO I WEAR THE DAY OF THE FLIGHT?
A: Our goal is to provide Guardians with a T-shirt commemorating their trip, but it is also recommended (depending on the time of year) to bring a windbreaker or jacket. It is encouraged that, for the day of the memorial visit, for any Guardians who are currently serving or prior service to wear their dress uniforms.