This document provides information and guidelines for guardians accompanying veterans on an Honor Flight trip from Austin, Texas to Washington D.C. to visit various WWII memorials. Guardians are responsible for the safety and well-being of the veterans. They will travel with the veterans on flights, buses, and on foot between memorial sites. Guardians must stay with their assigned veteran at all times, assist with any needs, and ensure safety during transportation, at memorial sites, and with meals and activities. The trip focuses on honoring the veterans and allowing them to share their experiences.

1. Honor Flight Austin
Guardian
Orientation

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

3. You are a Guardian
You are responsible for the safety and
wellbeing of one of America’s greatest
treasures -
Our WWII Veterans
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
• This is their trip, not yours
• You are working, but make it fun
• Talk to Honor Flight Austin members (Dark Blue
Polo's) 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. Check-In
• 9:00 - 9:30AM: Guardians arrive at ABIA
• 10:00AM: Veterans arrive at Southwest
ticket counter upstairs (Will arrive early)
• Game on!

7. First Day in D.C.
• Lunch provided for Veterans and those
flying at Austin airport
• Hilton for dinner/ceremony
• Lights out

8. Day of Touring
• Breakfast at 6:00–7:00 a.m.
• WWII Memorial
• Lincoln/Vietnam/Korean Memorial
• Arlington Cemetery—Changing of the Guard
• Marine Memorial
*Times and locations are subjected to change
Note: Time permitting, we may visit the Air Force
and / or Navy Memorials

9. Saturday Continued
• From Marine Memorial travel to airport
• Arrive Ronald Reagan at approx 3:30 p.m.
• Dinner at airport
• Welcome Home at ABIA Southwest Counter
• Please ensure all Veterans have a way to
get home from ABIA.

10. Bus Transportation
• Veterans and Guardians—always use same
seats
• 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 with them

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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 (OOH-RAH!),
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

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. Invite Your Friends and Family
It means a lot to the Veterans to have
members from the community at the airport to
see them off and welcome them home!
Help give them the reception they deserve

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