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
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
