Who qualifies as a veteran for a Tour of Honor?
- Anyone who served in the US military in active duty or in a reserve capacity qualifies for a trip. US Military includes Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.
I didn’t go overseas or serve in combat, am I still qualified to go?
- Yes. It doesn’t matter if you went overseas, stayed stateside, went into combat or not. Honor Flight believes that all veterans gave up their freedom for us and that’s what makes you qualified to go on your Tour of Honor.
I understand that it is free for veterans to go on the trip. Is it really free?
- Yes. All veterans go as guests of Honor Flight. All travel (air and ground), food and lodging is paid for by us. You only have to pay for any souvenirs that you may want to purchase.
How do I apply?
- There are 2 ways to apply, online and via a paper application. Both can be found at: https://www.honorflightccc.org/veteran-application/
- You can also request an application to be mailed to you. Contact us at PO Box 1750, Paso Robles CA 93447 or call us at (805) 610-0180 or email flightinformation@honorflightccc.org.
Should I apply even if I’m not sure that I’ll be able to go?
- Yes. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications are prioritized based on when you served in the US Military and the date that we receive the application.
How are veterans chosen to go on a flight?
- Veterans are chosen based on when they served in the US Military. Currently first priority is given to WWII veterans, followed by Korea War veterans. Veterans within the same war era are prioritized by the date that the application is received. Veterans serving between war eras are also eligible. The next priority will be Vietnam veterans. Veterans with a terminal illness get top priority.
Will I get any confirmation after I apply?
- Yes.
If you apply online, you will get a confirmation page indicating that your application has been received along with a follow-up email. If you find it, check your junk/spam folder.
If you mail us the application, you will receive a letter stating that your application has been received.
How will I be notified that it is my turn to go?
- We will contact you based on the contact information on your application.
Why do I need a guardian? I’m in good physical health and can take care of myself.
- We are a part of Honor Flight Network that sets this policy. Their policy is that every veteran is accompanied by a guardian. If a veteran is in good physical health, one guardian may be assigned more than one veteran. Guardians’ have many responsibilities, both to the veteran and to the group as a whole. The limited number Honor Flight volunteers on each trip need help with activities and rely on guardians to do them. The veterans are there to enjoy their trip, not take on these tasks. In addition the guardians are responsible keeping track of time, where the activities and memorials are for their veterans so the veterans don’t have to worry about these things.
How many Tours do you do a year?
- We currently, based on our fundraising efforts, do one or two Tour of Honor trips a year.
How many veterans go on a trip?
- Currently we take approximately 80 veterans on each trip.
Where I am on the wait list?
- The wait list changes often so your place will also change. Reasons for changes include veterans asking to be removed for various reasons, veterans who served in conflicts before you submitting applications, or veterans being diagnosed with serious medical conditions are the most common reasons. When you become eligible to go on a trip you will be contacted.
Link to other FAQs
