Be A Guardian

A guardian serves as a trained, traveling companion to an Honor Flight veteran, all of whom served in either WWII, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. Some veterans would never be able to make this journey without a guardian. Some will be in great shape. The guardian program is designed to not only assist the veteran physically as needed, but to also learn about their veteran’s service, to find out their stories, to help continue their legacy and help them feel honored for serving our country. Many pairs forge lifelong friendships, bonded by this milestone day.

Guardians are essential to the success of every Honor Flight.  Without these patriotic volunteers who wish to give back in this special endeavor, we would not be able to carry out the dreams of so many veterans, enabling them to see the memorials built in their honor.

From the moment the veterans are in our hands until we return them to their loved ones in the evening, guardians will be asked to treat these heroes as if they are family and help ensure that every veteran has a safe, memorable, and rewarding experience.

Some Guardian Requirements: 

• Must be between 18 and 70 years old (exceptions must be approved by Board of Directors)
• Spouses and Significant Others are not eligible.
• Must be able to push 250 pounds for a mile.
• Pay the guardian donation of $400 which covers guardian’s flight, meals, t-shirt, hat and bag. This can be paid online under “Guardians” – “Guardian Donation” . Thank you for supporting us.
• Priority given to guardians with medical training, active military, and to qualifying family members of honored veterans who meet above criteria.
• Must attend the mandatory 3-hour Guardian Training prior to the flight.

Guardian Training:
​All prospective guardian candidates MUST attend Guardian Training PRIOR to going on an Honor Flight with a veteran.

During this training, we cover safety and health concerns of our veterans (who range in age from 75-100 years old), the history of Honor Flight, what the Honor Flight day entails, and how to ensure that each veteran has the best day possible.

Guardian Training is typically held on the Saturday two weeks prior to an Honor Flight. At the training, the guardian will receive information on their assigned veteran (if not pre-paired with a family member). During the two following weeks, guardians are encouraged to deliver the veteran’s Honor Flight bag, hat and t-shirt and meet their veteran. Meeting ahead of time makes the actual Honor Flight day much more comfortable.

You can check out our current Honor Flight dates below by clicking Mission Schedule.

We welcome your interest and know you will also have one of the best days of your life as a guardian.

REAL ID TSA Requirement