Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my wife (husband) go with me?
A: No. At the present time, we have hundreds World War II veterans on our Cleveland waiting list and hundreds more who will apply this year. The only spouses who are permitted to go are those who are veterans themselves.
Q. I am the widow of a World War II veteran. Can I go?
A: Sadly, the answer is "no". Again, we simply do not have the resources, funding, or seating available to transport all the World War II veterans who are presently on our waiting list. Adding spouses and widows simply isn't an option for our program at this time.
Q: How much does it cost? How much money do I need to bring?
A: The cost is FREE for World War II and terminally ill veterans. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs. Guardians pay $250.00 for the total trip.
Q: Can my son, daughter, grandson, etc. go as a guardian?
A: Who will or will not serve as a guardian, and how many guardians will be needed, is the sole responsibility of the Director of Human Resources. 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 assisted getting on and off the bus?
• Which guardian applicants are most qualified?
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 currently given to World War II veterans and all other veterans with terminal illness. Our second priority is to Korean War veterans and then Vietnam War veterans.
Q: Are terminally ill World War II veterans given any special priority?
A: YES! Such veterans go to the top of the list for the next flight departing to Baltimore, as part of our TLC Program. Not only are World War II veterans given this top priority, but ANY terminally ill veteran, who has never been able to visit his/her memorial, is given the same priority under our TLC Program. Please see the Special Programs section on this website or contact us for more information.
Q: What if the veteran is on oxygen or will need a wheelchair?
A: WHEELCHAIRS -- About 30% of the veterans we have transported over the past years were in wheelchairs. We will supply wheelchairs at Cleveland Hopkins Airport to those who need or want them.
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).
You must completely disclose medical information on your application. Please inform us of all your medical conditions, special medical/medicine needs, mobility and above all, you must inform your doctor of the rigors of the one day trip to Washington D.C. and get his or her permission for you to participate.
Q. How much walking is involved?
A: A good indication is you need to be able to walk about 100 yards between stops or rests.
Q. Are there any stairs to climb?
A: Yes there are a few, including getting on and off tour buses but we can help you.
Q: What should I wear/how should I dress?
A: Be sure to dress in layers of clothing shirts, sweaters and jackets depending on the time of the year. Then you can add or remove clothing as needed for your comfort.
Q: How do Veterans in wheelchairs travel around Washington D.C.?
The veterans will be transported around Washington DC in the comfort of climate controlled motor coaches. Guardians, Honor Flight board members and other volunteers will be with the veterans at all times.
Q: How are you funded?
A: Sadly, despite our best attempts at fundraising, Honor Flight Cleveland receives no corporate or government sponsorship. Our funding comes primarily from individuals 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 American Legion, VFW, and Am Vets.
Q: Can I make a donation to Honor Flight Cleveland?
A: Honor Flight Cleveland gratefully accepts donations from anyone EXCEPT World War II veterans. We feel that World War II veterans have given enough. This is our way of saying "Thank You". For all others, please go to the Donation page of this website.