1) Guardians are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of a WWII veteran during the Honor Flight to Washington DC. They will accompany the veteran on tours of memorials and assist with any needs. 2) Safety is the top priority, with guardians staying with their assigned veteran at all times. This includes assisting with wheelchairs, meals, listening, and ensuring the veteran's comfort. 3) The itinerary includes visits to Arlington Cemetery, the WWII Memorial, and other sites over two days before flying home. Guardians are asked to help veterans socialize and share their experiences while prioritizing their health and safety.

1. Honor Flight Austin
Training for
Washington, DC
Guardians

2. Welcome & Introductions
Southwest Airlines
Hilton Alexander Mark Center
Visit Five Memorials

3. You are a Guardian
Watch this video (below)
You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of
one of America’s greatest treasures -
Our WWII Veterans
Please Note: In this video it references a ratio of 3 to 1. We
now use a 1 to 1 ratio – 1 Guardian to 1 WWII Veteran
Guardian Video

4. Guardian Training
• Thank you for participating
• SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
• One-on-one ratio—one Guardian for every
Veteran
• Honor and protect your Veteran at all times
• Rewarding and memorable experience
• Stay on schedule— be aware to time
• Communicate any problems

5. Quick Tips
• SAFETY—SAFETY—SAFETY
• Safety is paramount
• Be aware of weather; check forecast
• Be prepared to bring an umbrella
• This is their trip, not yours
• You are working, but make it fun
• Talk to Honor Flight Austin members re: Safety,
logistics and operations
• Wheelchairs used for safety, faster movement and
comfort
• Shirts and hats—visible accountability
• There will be other hubs visiting the memorials
• Stay with the your group

6. First Day in D.C
• 2:00PM: If you’re driving, park your POV at the Hilton
Alexandria Mark Center (we will cover the cost)
• Take the Hilton shuttle to DCA
• We will need assistance with wheelchairs
• Go to through TSA –
• Be prepared to welcome your veteran – this will be your veteran
for the next 36 hours
• We will depart DCA – to the Hilton for dinner (approx 6:00PM)
• Assist your veteran to his / her room

7. Day 2: Touring
• Breakfast at 6:00–7:00 a.m.
• Arlington Cemetery—Changing of the Guard
• WWII Memorial
• Vietnam, Korea, and Lincoln Memorial
• Marine Memorial (Iwo Jima)
• Holocaust Museum (inclement weather)
Note: If time permits we may be able to visit
the Navy and / or Air Force memorials

8. Saturday Continued
• From Marine Memorial travel to airport.
• Assist Veterans through TSA and to the gate
• Dinner at airport – assist your veteran with dinner
• You will be asked to remain at DCA until departure
• Socialize assist veteran with wheelchairs and getting on
the plane
• Approx 10* wheelchairs will be rented from the DC area
• We will ask for your assistance in returning these to the
truck at the curb
• Use Hilton shuttle to return to your POV
* Subject to change

9. Bus Transportation
• Veterans and Guardians—always on the
same assigned bus you get on from DCA;
use same seats. 17 Veterans on each bus
with their guardian
• Headcount and equipment—check before
each departure
• Veterans can stay on the bus if they get
tired/want to take a nap
• If your Veteran stays on the bus, you stay
on the bus

10. Safety—Foremost at All
Times
• Stay with your Veteran—accountability,
crowds
• Know Veteran’s issues: sight, hearing, etc.
• Hydration and medical condition
• Wheelchair vs. walking
• Loading and unloading buses
• Restroom breaks

11. Bus Safety—Entry & Exit
• Six Guardians exit first—help unload, stage
wheelchairs, open footrest
• Guardian ready with wheelchair when Veteran exits
bus (bus captain or paramedic calls out name)
• Same six put chairs away when re-boarding
• At each stop, one person at the top of the bus steps:
two at the bottom (one being a paramedic). NO
exceptions
• WWII Veterans remain hands-free, especially when
going up or down stairs
• 100% wheelchair-bound Veterans load and unload
first

12. Wheelchair Safety
• Always apply wheelchair brakes every time
you stop and when your Veteran sits down
or stands up
• Be EXTREMELY alert when getting in or out
of the wheelchair
• Always clear the foot/leg rest when assisting
the Veteran in and out of the wheelchair
• Always help your Veteran in or out of
wheelchair
• NEVER leave your Veteran in wheelchair
unattended

13. Wheelchairs at Memorials
• Wheelchair access at the monuments may be
limited
• Maintain a high sense of awareness
• When using stairs, assist your Veteran—ask for
extra help if needed
• Keep Veteran’s hands free of items—ask him or
her to use the handrails
• Watch for soft, uneven ground and prevent falls
• Wheelchairs are mandatory at the Iwo Jima

14. Smoking and Drinking
Guardians and Honor Flight Austin Personnel
• 100% of our focus is on the safety and well being of the
WWII Veteran
• At no time do you leave the group or your Veteran to
smoke or have an alcoholic beverage
• You are welcome to smoke in designated areas after
your veteran goes to sleep—roughly 10:00 p.m. or
before 6:00 a.m.
• While working , 100% of your time and focus is on the
Veterans
• Drinking is not encouraged. If you do, drink responsibly
and very moderately after all Veterans are asleep
• Do not encourage your Veteran to drink
• We want them and you to stay hydrated with water

15. Talk to Your Veteran
• Help stir conversation among Veterans
• Point out interesting things
• Ask who served in Pacific, Atlantic, etc.
• Who was in the Army, Navy, Air Corps, Marines
Coast Guard, Merchant Marines
• Be aware that some may not open up
• They may not want to talk about the war
• Ask if they brought photos, memorabilia
• Ask how the food was in WWII, clothing and equipment, etc.
• Ask about the heat/cold they had to endure, insects, reptiles,
etc.
• Encourage Veterans to share stories with each other
• Get to know the Veterans and appreciate their experiences
• Periodically, ask them if they need to use the restroom

16. Be Their Ears and Eyes
• KNOW the Veterans on your bus—who is
hard of hearing or legally blind
• Check the bus, airplane, waiting areas,
wherever they sit – for their carry-on
luggage for wallets, glasses, cell phones,
etc.
• Echo announcements that are made, or ask
Veteran if he or she heard what was said

17. Be Their Hands
• Don’t just hand our Veterans a bottle of
water; unscrew the cap for them before
handing them the bottle
• Assist with them with all meals
• Be aware of how they are eating or not
eating
• If they drop something, you pick it up

18. Photos
• Photos posted on FACEBOOK throughout
tour
• Share your photos with Honor Flight
personnel

19. Most important factor:
SAFETY—SAFETY—SAFETY
Help make this trip a great experience
Questions?

20. Thank You
On behalf of Honor Flight Austin and the
men and women of the Greatest
Generation
– Thank You for volunteering and for your
service to our country!
POC: Allen Bergeron (512)974-3459
Tina Lee (512)974-3306