A: Throughout the United states, there are a number of "hubs" that operate in conjunction as part of the Honor Flight Network, the national effort to honor our most senior Veterans. This governing body establishes general protocols, policies, credentialing, and maintains a national website and oversight of several programs.

You can reach the leadership for Great River Honor Flight by writing:

Great River Honor Flight

PO Box 3723

Quincy, Illinois   62305

Csfernandez1951@gmail.com

You can also use the contact form, located on the "Contact Us" page, to contact Great River Honor Flight

A:Veteran and Guardian applications can be downloaded from our home page or write to us to request one be mailed to you at

• Great River Honor Flight

• Box 3723

• Quincy, Illinois 62305

A: VETERANS are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Right now, we are accepting applications for World War II, Korean War veterans, Vietnam and those who served between those conflcits. However, priority will be given to World War II and Korea veterans throughout the application process.

GUARDIANS are selected by our Flight Selection Team based on a number of factors. The number of Guardians varies depending on the needs of the Veterans on that particular flight. Guardians must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.  They should also be able to easily lift 100 pounds, as they will be assisting Veterans into or out of wheelchairs, up and down stairs, etc. Guardians who are medically trained volunteers and currently/prior serving military personnel are not necessary but appreciated. Guardians do pay for their trip and must attend a mandatory training session.

NOTE: When filling out a Guardian application, it is important that you indicate the Veteran you wish to fly with. In order to ensure the safety of all on our flight, Guardians are selected based on a number of factors. There are a limited number of spots available for family member Guardians on each flight, so unfortunately not all family members who apply to be Guardians will be able to accompany their Veteran on a flight. Available spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

A: Our funding comes primarily from individuals across the Tri State (Illinois, Missouri and Iowa) who recognize the great accomplishments and sacrifices of our Veterans and who want them to see their memorial before it is too late. Other significant contributors may be fraternal organizations like local American Legion, VFW, Am Vets, DAV, MOPH, posts and chapters, as well as various corporations. However, donations from anyone or anywhere are accepted.

All donations are tax-deductible.

A: Our veterans have already sacrificed and given so much through their service to our country, therefore we feel they should not have to pay for the trip. All expenses for their Honor Flight are covered.

Flights are funded by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other groups who wish to be an important part of honoring these heroes. No funding is received from the Government. Guardians pay $200 each (as of April, 2023) for the honor of escorting a Veteran to Washington D.C. to visit their memorial.

A:WHEELCHAIRS — It is encouraged for our Veterans to use a wheelchair on their Honor Flight. Our deluxe motor coaches are ordered based upon this fact. Many of our coaches are equipped with wheelchair lifts.  We will provide the wheelchairs.

OXYGEN: If the veteran requires oxygen, a prescription for the oxygen must be provided by the veteran’s healthcare provider, identifying the delivery method (mask or nasal cannula), frequency (as needed or continuously), and the rate of delivery (2-3 liters per minute). Honor Flight Network will provide an FAA-approved oxygen concentrator for use during the trip if local oxygen equipment is not available.  Veterans on oxygen are required to have oxygen cylinders available from their home to the departure airport and also on the return from their local airport back to their homes. No oxygen cylinders are permitted to be used on the aircraft.

A: The Honor Flight Network is generously supported by premiere motor coach companies in Maryland. Many buses are wheelchair lift equipped.

A: DONATIONS are gratefully accepted from all non-veterans and more information is available on the “Donate” page.  These will be highlighted on our home page when they become available.

A: Unfortunately, no. Our mission is to get to every deserving veteran to their memorial in time. Many World War II veterans around the country have passed away while patiently waiting their turn. Hundreds more will not live long enough to visit their precious memorial. If we added non-veteran spouses to our waiting list, it would inhibit the ability for those Veterans awaiting their turn. The only spouses who are permitted to go are those who are veterans themselves or who are needed due to medical reasons associated with taking care of the veteran.

A: The cost is FREE for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans. You do not need to bring any money, unless you intend to purchase souvenirs.

A: Yes they can.  A normal ratio is ONE Veteran to ONE Honor Flight Guardian. Who will or will not serve as an Honor Flight Guardian, and how many Honor Flight Guardians will be needed, is the sole responsibility of our Medical and Administrative Directors. That decision is based upon many factors, such as but not limited:

• How many disabled veterans are scheduled to go?

• Of the disabled veterans going, how many will have to be physically assisted getting on and off the bus?

The applicants physically capable of assisting in the lifting of our veterans are also a top priority. Once the Medical and Administrative Directors feel enough of those positions have been filled, other applicants are then considered.

A: As a Veteran, please feel free to wear all or any part of your uniform. For those who do not plan to wear all or part of their uniform, our goal is to provide Veterans with a T-shirt commemorating their trip which we ask you to wear, but it is also recommended (depending on the time of year) to bring a windbreaker or jacket.

A: The cost for each Guardian per trip is set at $200 (as of April 2023). This is well below the cost of the air fare alone. The donations received by Great River Honor Flight go directly to administering the program and primarily providing a cost-free trip for our Veterans.

Corporations, companies, or other groups are allowed to sponsor both Veterans and Guardians; however, Veterans will be given priority. Again, all donations are tax-deductible.

Guardian fees are due on the day of the pre-flight meeting.