Apply as a Guardian flying from Sioux Falls, SD

Midwest Honor Flight assigns every Veteran a Guardian to accompany the Veteran for their day of honor in Washington, D.C.  If a Veteran does not wish to choose their own Guardian, Midwest Honor Flight will assign one of our trained volunteers to perform this role.  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.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPLY TO BE A GUARDIAN, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be between the age 18-75 at the time of flight
• Must not be the spouse or significant other of any Veteran on the assigned flight
• Must be willing to assist all Veterans as needed
• Must be physically capable of performing the Guardian role, which includes assisting Veterans getting in/out of seats and wheelchairs; up/down escalators; and up/down stairs
• Must be able to push your Veteran in a wheelchair for a minimum of one hour at a time including up and down inclines (estimated 10 miles total throughout the day)
• Must be capable of independent communication with Veterans, Midwest Honor Flight Crew, and others
• Must not require use of canes, crutches, walkers, slings, have back issues, casts, portable oxygen, or other limiting physical strength and agility
• Must attend Mandatory Guardian/Crew Training (two dates will be announced at the time of selection, must attend one)
• Must make a minimum donation by the deadline to cover expenses incurred on flight day (amount announced at time of selection - 2023 spring amount was $853)

​Because they play such a significant role in our program, Midwest Honor Flight reserves the right to disqualify any Guardian based upon the requirements listed above or require additional information/medical screening to ensure the safety of all Veterans on flight.

YES I QUALIFY - Online guardian application

Can i use airline miles to pay for my flight?

Unfortunately because our plane is a charter, we are unable to use miles for your seat.

I am the spouse/Signficant other of a veteran, why am i not able to go as a guardian?

Spouses and significant others are not allowed on flight for two reasons: 1) our insurance does not allow it and 2) the chance for our Veterans to go on this life changing flight with fellow Veterans and to be welcomed back home to their spouse/significant others has proven to be a more healing experience.

What does my donation include?

Your donation covers all the expenses that Midwest Honor Flight incurs for a Guardian/Crew Member that joins on flight.  This donation includes the chartered airfare, 4 meals, busing in DC, flight uniform (t-shirt), and a keepsake disc/drive sent after flight.  Also included is the opportunity to escort an American Hero and be their Guardian Angel for their Final Tour with Honor.

Why must i attend a training session?

Our insurance requires all Guardians and Crew to go through a mandatory training session to ensure the safety of our Veterans and all those on flight.  This also allows us to ensure that our Guardians are capable of performing the tasks required.

When will i be assigned a veteran?

If you are not applying to fly with a specific Veteran, we are unsure of how long you will be on our waiting list.  Do watch for email updates as each flight varies for our needs.  Some flights require more community Guardians than others.

CAN MORE THAN ONE GUARDIAN PER FAMILY GO ALONG WITH OUR VETERAN?

No, only one Guardian is allowed per Veteran/family.  While we do have a list of community Guardians, we cannot have more than one family member on flight due to past experiences.