FAQ
Can my wife (husband) go with me?
Sadly no. At the present time, we have over 6000 WWII Veterans on our national waiting list and more than a hundred on the list alone in central Missouri. We are working fast to get every deserving veteran on our flights. Over 120 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. We want to get as many veterans on the flights as we can.
I am the widow of a WWII Veteran. Can I go?
Sadly, the answer is “no”. Again, we simply do not have the resources, funding, or seating available to transport all the Veterans who are presently on our waiting list. Adding spouses and widows simply isn’t an option for our program.
How much does it cost? How much money do I need to bring?
The cost is FREE for WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War veterans and terminally ill Veterans. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs.
Can my son, daughter, grandson, etc. go as a guardian?
Not likely. 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 Flight Director. That decision is based upon many factors, such as:
a. How many disabled veterans are scheduled to go?
b. Of the disabled veterans going, how many will have to be physically carried on and off the bus?
c. Which guardian applicants are most qualified? Medically trained, active duty military personnel and veterans who have previously participated in a flight are given top priority and serve as leadership members. The applicants physically capable of assisting in the lifting of Veterans are also a top priority. Once the flight director feels enough of those positions have been filled, other applicants are then considered. Again, these decisions rest solely with the Flight Director.
Can I make a donation to Honor Flight?
Honor Flight gratefully accepts donations from anyone EXCEPT WWII Veterans. Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. We feel that our veterans have given enough. This is our way of saying thank you. Click on our Donation button on the home page to make a donation online with your debit or credit card or you can mail a donation to:
Central Missouri Honor Flight
1400 Forum Blvd., Ste. 1-C, Box 334
Columbia, MO 65203
How do you decide which veterans get to go?
Veterans are flown on a “first-come, first-served basis.” We date stamp the applications as we receive them. Within the applicants, top priority is given to WWII Veterans and all other veterans with terminal illness. Our second priority is to Korean War Veterans and then Vietnam Veterans.
What if the veteran is on oxygen or will need a wheelchair?
WHEELCHAIRS — Many of our coaches are equipped with wheelchair lifts. If there is a possibility that a veteran may need a wheelchair during one of our trips, we ask that the veteran bring their own. If one is not available to you, please contact us.
OXYGEN — If the veteran requires oxygen, a prescription for the oxygen must be provided by the veteran’s healthcare provider, identifying the delivery method (mask or nasal cannula), frequency (as needed or continuously), and the rate of delivery (2-3 liters per minute). Veterans on oxygen are required to bring oxygen cylinders. No oxygen cylinders are permitted to be used on the aircraft. If the veteran requires oxygen during the trip, please contact the flight director at: [email protected] to discuss arrangements.
Are terminally ill WWII Veterans given any special priority?
YES! Such veterans go to the top of the list for the next flight departing to Washington DC. Please note that on your application…
How are you funded?
Our funding comes primarily from individuals across mid-Missouri who recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of Veterans and want them to see their memorial before it’s too late. Other significant contributors have been fraternal organizations like local VFWs, American Legions, Am Vets, DAV, MOPH, posts and chapters, schools, colleges, restaurants, poker runs and so many more!!!
How will my contributions be used?
Contributions are used to support the cost of flights, pre-flight meeting, welcome home event and supplies that support the operation of CMHF. There is no cost to the veterans. Also, CMHF is an ALL VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION. NO ONE RECEIVES ANY PAY.
