Frequently asked questions

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 any veteran with a terminal illness. Our next priority is to Korean War veterans and then Vietnam veterans. Veterans need not to have served in combat, or even in theater, just during the official years of those conflicts. All depend on available seating and sufficient funding.

Q: Can my spouse go with me?

A. Due to limited capacity no spouses or significant others are permitted.

Q: I am the widow of a Veteran. Can I go?

A: Sadly, the answer is “no.” Our mission is to honor the Veterans. Adding widows simply is not what our program is about.

Q: How much does it cost? How much money do I need to bring?

A: The entire trip, including all meals, soft drinks, air and bus transportation is completely FREE for the veterans. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs. (Due to the very busy schedule, there is little opportunity to purchase souvenirs.)

Q: Can my son, daughter, grandson, etc. go as a guardian?

A: Only non-spousal, non-significant other family members 18 yrs. of age or older can apply, however, our TOP priority is the safe travel of the veterans. The family member must be capable of taking care of the physical needs of the veteran all day in order to be considered. All guardians must submit a separate application and a $500. contribution. Decisions as to who will serve as guardians and how many guardians will be needed are the sole responsibility and perrogative of the Board.

Q: Can I make a donation to Honor Flight?

A: Coastal Georgia Honor Flight gratefully accepts donations from anyone EXCEPT veterans who are in line for an Honor Flight. We believe that these veterans have given enough. This is our way of saying “Thank you!”

Q: How are you funded?

A: Our funding comes exclusively from individuals, businesses and organizations who recognize and wish to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of veterans.

Q: What if the veteran uses oxygen therapy or will need a wheelchair?

The safety, comfort and enjoyment of our veterans are of the utmost importance to us. As such, each Flight carries a team of physicians, nurses, and EMT paramedics some of whom go as guardians. We are able to safely and comfortably transport many veterans who use oxygen therapy and/or wheelchairs.

 A: OXYGEN — If the veteran requires oxygen therapy, a prescription for the oxygen must be provided by the veteran’s healthcare provider to us identifying the delivery method (mask or nasal cannula), frequency (as needed or continuously), and the rate of delivery. Coastal Georgia Honor Flight will provide an FAA-approved oxygen concentrator for use during the flight. We also provide oxygen cylinders to be used while in Washington D.C., all at no cost to the veteran. Veterans on oxygen therapy are required to have oxygen cylinders available from their home to the departure airport and also on the return from the airport back to their homes. No oxygen cylinders are permitted on the aircraft per FAA and/or TSA regulations. Please call us at (615) 351-6312 or (912) 434-6160 to discuss arrangements.

 A: WHEELCHAIRS – Coastal Georgia Honor Flight furnishes wheelchairs for all veterans who may need them. Additionally, we charter deluxe motor coaches which accommodate wheelchairs. Some of the motor coaches are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Please call us at (615) 351-6312 or (912) 434-6160 to discuss arrangements. Our policy is anyone who uses a cane or any other kind of mobility equipment will be assigned a guardian with a wheelchair.

Q: Are terminally ill veterans given any special priority?

A: YES! Such veterans go to the top of the list for the next flight. Any terminally ill veteran from any conflict who has never been able to visit their memorial is given top priority.

Q: How can I start an Honor Flight Network hub in my part of the country?

A: Please call the national Honor Flight Network at 937-521-2400 and ask to speak with the Excutive Director of Honor Flight, Diane Gresse. She can also be reached via email at excutivedirector@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. They also organize volunteers in Washington D.C. who help in various ways to support our visits to the city. Please visit National’s website honorflight.org for more information