Apply as a Guardian from Sioux Falls

​Guardians are essential to the success of the Midwest Honor Flight program. Without these volunteers we would not be able to carry out the dreams of so many veterans, enabling them to see the memorials built in their honor.

Even before the veterans arrive at the airport, the guardian’s responsibilities begin with flight preparation and going over their packets of material. Once the veterans start to arrive, guardians will ensure boarding passes and IDs are available, distribute Midwest Honor Flight t-shirts, get the veterans through security and to the gate, assist in boarding, etc.

From the moment the veterans are in our hands until we return them to their loved ones in the evening, guardians will be asked to treat these heroes as if they are family and ensure that every veteran has a safe, memorable, and rewarding experience. Guardians are volunteers and are asked to make a minimum donation sent to Midwest Honor Flight or given online either two weeks after the notice or one month prior to flight - whichever comes first.  Guardians may NOT be the spouse or significant other of a Veteran and must be at least of the age of 16 at the time of the flight.

Because they play such a significant role in our program, we will provide training sessions for all guardians prior to participating in one of our trips.  Training will be conducted at two locations with two dates announced within a Guardians Confirmation letter.

We reserve the right to refuse any guardian application or require additional information/medical screening to ensure the safety of the Veterans on flight.

One Final Tour with Honor!

Guardian Online Application

A Guardian Training (dates provided) will be required within a month of your given flight.  ​A donation will be required when final costs are calculated for your selected flight.  This donation amount was $646 for the 2019 flying season but may change due to increases in flight costs.

Flight Day

​The trip begins with a celebratory send-off, including a presentation of the colors, and volunteers cheering and waving flags. The men and women who comprise the veteran group wear their Midwest Honor Flight shirts and hats, often with their war medals pinned to them. They board a commercial jet and head to D.C. for a one day trip they will talk about for the rest of their lives.
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All veterans will visit Arlington National Cemetery to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.  Some tours may be granted the honor of participating in the Wreath Laying Ceremony, four Midwest Honor Flight veterans lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.  Veterans will also see JFK's burial site, the Arlington House, and the Iwo Jima Memorial (Marine Corps War Memorial).

​One of the stops will be the WWII Memorial, which opened in 2004 when the youngest of the WWII veterans were in their late seventies. The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.  The tour will also include visits to the Korean, Vietnam, and Lincoln memorials.

Then we return to the airport to depart back to Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Sioux Falls Regional Airport).  Community members and family are invited to the welcome home celebration.  Please arrive about 10 minutes prior to our arrival time.  Text "@mwhfupdate" to 81010 for updates on flights and scheduling for future Missions and events.