Guardians serve a very important role in the safety and well-being of our Hawaiian Islands Veterans.
Our mission is focused on the Veterans, their safety, comfort, well-being, and enjoyment of the experience. To ensure every mission is a success, we are very selective in who is invited to serve as a Guardian.
First and foremost, serving as a Guardian is work. It is a LONG five days, and will involve pushing wheelchairs, being responsible for additional tasks, managing all manner of physical and emotional challenges throughout the trip. This is not a “vacation” for the Guardians, it is hard work – exceptionally awesome hard work – and perhaps one of the most rewarding “work” experiences you will ever have.
It is important to note that a spouse, partner, or significant other of the Veteran are not eligible to be a Guardian.
We have critical criteria that all support personnel on the flight must meet in order to fly on any mission:
- Able to communicate well with senior Veterans and providing a meaningful experience for them
- Able to provide for the comfort and safety of our Veterans
- Contact, and if possible, meet with, your assigned Veteran prior to the flight
- Complete Guardian Training for your flight
- Able to lift 50 lbs. and push a wheelchair holding 200+ lbs.
- Must not use any walking aids such as a cane or walking stick.
- Able to brace a Veteran who may stumble on stairs or pavement
- Able to load and unload wheelchairs and luggage in the cargo bin of the bus
- Able to walk 5+ miles a day and stand for long periods of time
- Able and willing to keep a positive attitude all day regardless of weather or other circumstances
- You must be able to pay the Guardian donation of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) 2 weeks prior to the flight. This helps cover just a portion of your participation in the trip
- Guardians may not be a spouse or significant other
If you would like to be a Guardian for one of our trips to Washington D.C., please submit this online Guardian Application. We assign a Guardian to each veteran on each trip.
Hawaiian Islands Honor Flight reserves the right to refuse a Guardian based on their inability to meet the expectations and requirements up to and including day of the trip. The first priority will always be what is best for our Veterans.
GUARDIAN ONLINE APPLICATION – This link will take you to our “Lone Eagle” online application. You WILL be in the correct place to fill out your Veteran application.