Frequently Asked Questions
A: No. At the present time, we have over 1,500 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 60 WWII Veterans have passed away while patiently waiting their turn. Hundreds more will not live long enough to visit their precious memorial. Can you image 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, or who are needed for the veteran's bona-fide medical welfare.
Q: How much does it cost? How much money do I need to bring?
A: The cost is FREE for everything. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs. However, in the unlikely event of disrupted travel; such as return flight cancellation, it is prudent to have a credit card and a small amount of cash available for any incidentals that may be needed.
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:
- How many disabled veterans are scheduled to go?
- Of the disabled veterans going, how many will have to be physically carried on and off the bus?
- Which guardian applicants are most qualified?
Medically trained, active duty military personnel and veterans who have previously participated in a flight as a guardian, are given top priority. Guardian applicants who are 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 Bluegrass Chapter?
A: Honor Flight Bluegrass Chapter gratefully accepts donations from anyone EXCEPT WWII Veterans. We feel that they have given enough. Please make checks payable to: Honor Flight Bluegrass Chapter.
Q: How do you decide which veterans get to go?
A: Veterans are flown on a "first-come, first-served basis." Veterans must fully complete and retrurn their application before they are placed on our waiting list. Within the applicants, top priority is given to our WWII Veterans and all veterans with terminal illness. Our second priority is to Korean War Veterans and then Vietnam Veterans.
Q: Can I sponsor the travel of a particular veteran?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the travel of any one individual veteran. Remember, our veterans travel based on a "first come, first served" basis. Your donation will be applied towards the next deserving veteran on our list.
Q: How are you funded?
A: Our primary funding comes from individuals across the bluegrass region that recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of our WWII Veterans and want them to see their memorial before it's too late. Other significant contributors include fraternal organizations and veterans organizations. Corporate, professional and church groups may also choose to sponsor our program as a community service act.
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 Bluegrass Chapter is based out of Louisville, Kentucky. You can reach us at:
Honor Flight Bluegrass Chapter
PO BOX 43986
Middletown, KY 40253-0986