HONOR FLIGHT


A MOST HONORABLE MISSION The mission of the National Honor Flight Network is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. Top priority is given to America’s most senior and frail veterans – survivors of World War II and any veteran of any conflict with a terminal illness. Our second objective is then to transport Korean and Vietnam veterans to the memorials constructed in their honor. Throughout each trip, veterans are guided and hosted by volunteer “guardians.” Since 2005, during touring season from late March through mid November, scores of vets have been taken by plane, recreational vehicle (RV) and deluxe motor coach to Washington. . All money provided for each veteran’s trip is gained through fund raising. These are special trips for veterans, many of whom have never toured Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials in the years following their military discharge. There is an urgency to transport WWII vets as soon as possible because approximately 800 to 1,000 of them die every day. The Greatest Generation is rapidly passing on, yet thousands continue to sign up with our national headquarters and their local chapters in hopes of making this trip. The Honor Flight program began about six years ago, on May 21, 2005 at a municipal airport in Springfield Ohio. The day of the first Honor Flight, six small aircraft took to the skies with 12 veterans. One chase plane followed for support. The national Honor Flight Network remains based in Springfield Ohio. Mission Statement: Transport America’s veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their


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service and sacrifices. Goal: Every WWII and terminally ill veteran in America, willing and capable of getting on a plane or a bus, visits THEIR Memorial. Priority: Top priority is given to America’s most senior and frail heroes -- survivors of WWII and any veteran with a terminal illness who wishes to visit THEIR memorial. The program will then transition to Korean, Vietnam and all other veterans who served, on a chronological basis. Philosophy: Since America felt it was important to build a memorial to the service and the ultimate sacrifice of her veterans, the Honor Flight Network believes it’s equally important that they actually get to visit and experience THEIR memorial. No WWII or terminally ill veteran ever pays for their trip. The Honor Flight Network will never solicit a donation from any WWII or terminally ill veteran. We are of the opinion that they have given enough. Fiscal Stewardship: Over 85% of every dollar donated goes to transporting veterans safely to their memorials, and associated costs. Copies of our financial report are available for review. Scope of Operation: What began as a small operation (a handful of pilots in tiny private aircraft), has rapidly spread across the country. There are now 104 Honor Flight Network (HFN) hubs located in 34 states. As word spreads about our organization, new hubs are being added weekly. HFN Headquarters, located in Springfield Ohio, provides direction, guidance, some funding assistance, volunteers, logistical contacts, time lines, potential agendas, data processing of applications, telephone coverage, access information to Arlington National Cemetery (for wreath laying ceremonies) and much more. HFN coordinates the Washington DC arrival, transport and departure of thousands of veterans and guardians every week. We also provide access to wheelchairs, oxygen, food, motorized scooters and liaison to distinguished greeters (former Senator Bob Dole and retired General Colin Powell).


Goal for 2011: 35,000 R E U N I O N F R I E N D L Y N E W S • S umme r , 2 0 1 1


Waiting List: The total of those on the national waiting list combined with those maintained by individual hubs exceeds 30,000. There is some overlap of veteran departure areas, with some veterans choosing to depart on a flight from outside of their local hub. Those reasons include flying with a friend, brother, son, daughter, etc. who lives in a neighboring city. Some veterans also travel to spend winters in warmer climates. Concrete waiting list figures are difficult to obtain. National Financial Need: In order to meet the requests from “Lone Eagles” (geographically isolated veterans throughout the United States), and “TLCs” (terminally ill veterans of all conflicts who desire to visit their memorial before they pass away), the Honor Flight Network will have to raise about $5,600,000.00. This figure does not include associated administrative costs. A shortage of contributions directly impacts on the numbers of WWII veterans we are able to transport. Funds Distribution: Individual hubs are expected to become self-sustaining; however, in urgent situations (i.e. a hub is $8,000 short of funding a charter flight), the HFN has forwarded available funds to hubs in order to secure the safe transportation of veterans. Lone Eagles are transported primarily on a “first- come, first-served basis.” Guardians (escorts) are expected to make a contribution to the HFN of $350 to cover some of the costs associated with their travel expenses Questions/Concerns: Interested parties can contact the HFN HQ toll free at 877 FLY-VETS (877 359-8387) or view the official national website for Honor Flight Network at www.honorflight.org. Information concerning local HFN Hubs can be found by visiting our “Programs” page. Donations can be made at the site by clicking on the donations link on the home page. Motto: “We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.” Will Rogers. If you can read this, thank a teacher. Since you can read this in English, thank a WWII Veteran… before it’s too late!


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