GENERAL QUESTIONS
I have a question that I can’t find the answer to on your website. How can I get an answer?
You can use this Contact Us Form, send an email to [email protected], or leave a detailed message at (888) 400-1185.
To help us get your question to the right person, please be sure to tell us whether you are a Veteran or a Veteran’s family member, or are interested in being a Volunteer or Guardian.
How can I make a donation to support First Coast Honor Flight’s mission?
You can mail your tax-deductible donation to us, or donate through our website using PayPal. Donations can also be made in person at one of our speaking engagements or other events.
Only FCHF Board members are authorized to accept donations at public events, and you can spot a Board member by their dark blue polo shirts embroidered with the FCHF logo.
Our mailing address is:
I’d like someone from First Coast Honor Flight to speak to my civic group or church organization!
We would LOVE that opportunity! Please contact us by using this Contact Form, send an email to [email protected], or leave a detailed message at (888) 400-1185. You can also message us on Facebook (@firstcoasthonorflight), but please don’t post any sensitive personal information on our Facebook Group or home pages.
How can I get an application?
You can download a Veteran, Guardian, or Volunteer application at any time from the Application Page. Please download, print, and complete the application. You can return it to via mail or simply scan and email it back to us at: [email protected]
Can I complete an application online?
At this time, we do not have the capability for applications to be completed online, but would love for you to scan and email it back to us, or simply put it in the mail.
Can I email my completed application to you?
Yes, you can print the application, complete it, scan it and email it back to us at [email protected] or if mailing is easier, use the address below:
First Coast Honor Flight, Inc.BASIC FLIGHT QUESTIONS
What does it cost for a Veteran to travel with First Coast Honor Flight?
There is no cost to Veterans or their families for the Veteran to travel with us.
Is there a cost to be a Guardian?
Yes, there is a fee.
How are Honor Flights paid for?
Honor Flight Hubs rely entirely on donations!
We rely on donations, corporation sponsorships and individuals to fund Honor Flights.
We need your help!
We receive no government funding or grants whatsoever. Guardian fees also help cover the cost of each Honor Flight. Please reach out if you have suggestions for partnerships and donations!
Does First Coast Honor Flight fly year-round?
Most Honor Flights travel to Washington, D.C. during the spring and fall of each year, when it is (hopefully) neither too hot or too cold to enjoy long hours outdoors.
What if it rains when the Honor Flight group is in Washington? Is everything cancelled?
We will put on rain ponchos, open up our umbrellas, and carry on with the Honor Flight itinerary as long as it is safe to be outdoors.
How many Veterans and Guardians travel on one First Coast Honor Flight trip?
Our goal is approximately 25 veterans, with guardians and staff as well…
Does First Coast Honor Flight use a chartered plane for its flights?
At this time we are traveling by commercial air, nonstop from Jacksonville International Airport to an airport in the Washington DC area and back. If you have connections to charter planes-please reach out to connect with us!
What airport does First Coast Honor Flight travel from?
Currently we travel round trip from Jacksonville International Airport, Jacksonville FL.
I live three hours away from the Jacksonville Airport. Is there any place to stay close by if I driv
Yes, there are a variety of hotels close to our central loading area. Reach out to us as needed. Details will be available as the flights get closer, feel free to email us for more information.
Does Honor Flight pay for hotel rooms the night before or after a Flight?
Lodging costs before or after Flight Day will be the responsibility of the traveler (Veteran, Guardian)
Can I check a suitcase on the Honor Flight?
No checked bags are allowed. At pre-flight orientation we will provide a small backpack for the use of each Veteran, Guardian, and staff member. Whatever fits in that backpack is what can be brought along on Flight Day. Flight regulations will apply to what additional items can be brought along.
VETERAN QUESTIONS
How does Honor Flight select Veterans for an Honor Flight?
In order, priority for assignment to a flight is given to:
- Critically ill Veterans of any era
- World War II era Veterans
- Korean War era Veterans
- Vietnam War era veterans
Do I have to request a specific Honor Flight date when I apply?
We encourage Veterans and Guardians to submit your application at any time so you get on our waiting list. If selected for an Honor Flight, we will contact you with the Flight date and confirm your availability. If you cannot go on that particular Flight, we will roll you over to the next available trip date.
What if a Veteran is selected for an Honor Flight, but is unable to go on that date?
If a Veteran is slated for an Honor Flight but cannot travel on that Flight, we will automatically assign him or her to the next available flight. It is not necessary to submit a new application.
I am a Veteran in one of FCHF’s priority categories & a PT FL resident-do I qualify?
Yes, part-time Florida residents may apply to travel with First Coast Honor Flight when they will be in Florida. The Veteran application includes a place to make this request.
Please note: It is especially important for part-time residents to submit their application well in advance of their desired flight season (spring or summer each year) so the Veteran Director can coordinate availability with you.
I am a Veteran with a medical condition that is controlled by medication. Can I travel with FCHF?
As part of the application process, medical information is reviewed by an M.D. who will travel on the Honor Flight. If the Veteran’s own physician clears him or her for travel, and the Honor Flight M.D. determines that the required medication can be properly transported and safely administered during the Honor Flight, then yes, that Veteran can travel on an Honor Flight.
I am a Veteran who uses oxygen. Do I have to bring my own oxygen?
As part of the application process, medical information is reviewed by an M.D. who also will travel on the Honor Flight. If the M.D. determines that we can accommodate a Veteran’s oxygen needs, then that Veteran can travel on an Honor Flight. First Coast Honor Flight will make arrangements to provide oxygen during the flight and on the ground in the D.C. area.
Please note: Veterans CANNOT bring their own oxygen equipment.
I am a Veteran who uses a wheelchair full-time. Can I travel on an Honor Flight?
As part of the application process, medical information is reviewed by an M.D. who will
travel on the Honor Flight. If the Veteran’s own physician clears him or her for travel, and the Honor Flight staff and Flight M.D. determine that we can safely accommodate all of a wheelchair-bound Veteran’s needs during the long trip day, then yes, that Veteran can travel on an Honor Flight.
Please note: First Coast Honor Flight will provide a wheelchair for the Veteran’s use throughout the Honor Flight.
I am a Veteran who uses a walker. Can I bring my walker?
First Coast Honor Flight will provide a wheelchair for the Veteran’s use on Flight Day. Walkers cannot be brought along on the Honor Flight.
I am a Veteran who has friends in the D.C. area. Can I meet up with them?
Veterans and Guardians must stay with the Honor Flight group at all times. No one other than the Honor Flight group may be on the charter bus. Our schedule is carefully planned and must be adhered to throughout the day. It would be hard for friends to meet you at any particular stop, because if their arrival is delayed, we will need to leave on time to get to our next destination.
Can a Veteran request someone they know to be their Guardian?
On the Veteran application, there is a line to indicate the name and contact info of a desired Guardian. The Guardian application has a corresponding line to indicate the name and contact info of the Veteran.
Can a Veteran’s spouse be their Guardian?
First Coast Honor Flight’s policy is that spouses cannot be Guardians for their Veteran, or for another Veteran on the same flight.
My spouse is also a Veteran – can they be my Guardian?
In the case of two Veterans married to each other, each Veteran will be assigned a Guardian and the married couple can travel on the same Honor Flight as “Veteran Buddies”.
GUARDIAN QUESTIONS
What are the basic age and physical requirements to be a Guardian?
Guardians must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the Honor Flight. Guardians must be physically able to push a Veteran in a wheelchair for a distance of as much as 7-8 miles, including some small inclines.
I want to be a Guardian, and I have a medical condition that is controlled by medication. Is this a
As part of the application process, medical information is reviewed by an M.D. who also will travel on the Honor Flight. A controlled medical condition may not be a bar to serving as a Guardian, if the individual is able to safely perform all required Guardian duties. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis by the M.D. and Honor Flight Staff together.
HELP OUR CAUSE
Your support and donations will enable us to send more Veterans to Washington D.C..
Your generous donation will fund our mission.
