You are responsible for the safety and well-being of one of America’s greatest treasures - Our WWII Veterans.

1. GUARDIAN ORIENTATION

2. YOU ARE A GUARDIAN
You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of
one of America’s greatest treasures - Our WWII
Veterans
Guardian Video

3. GUARDIAN TRAINING
Thank you for participating
Safety and accountability
1:1 ratio – One guardian for every Veteran
Honor and protect your Veteran at all times
This is a rewarding and memorable
experience
Stay on schedule and be aware of the time
Communicate any problems

4. QUICK TIPS
SAFETY- SAFETY- SAFETY
60 Veterans on each Flight
This is THEIR trip, not yours
You are working but make it fun
Wheelchairs are used for safety, faster movement
and comfort
Shirts and hats- Visible accountability
There will be other hubs visiting the memorials
Stay with your group and NEVER leave your
Veteran alone

5. CHECK - IN
9:00-9:30AM : Guardians arrive at ABIA
near the Southwest area (Door to the far
west side)
9:30-10:00AM : Veterans arrive to check in
(They will arrive early)
Wheelchairs will be outside, once your
Veteran arrives; bring them to the check in
table and help them with their bags and
don’t lose their boarding pass

6. FIRST DAY
Lunch will be provided for Veterans and the Guardians
who are flying on the trip
You will get their lunch for them and ask for their
preference
 Chicken or Turkey
 Make sure you know any diet restrictions
 Help them with their water bottle
Wheelchair-bound Veterans and those who cant walk
far load the plane first
Help your Veteran to their hotel room and any
bathroom breaks
Take their wheelchair and place it in the closet of their
room

7. DAY OF TOURING
6:45AM – Go to your Veteran’s room (If you
are not rooming with them). Help them
with their bags and bring them downstairs
to breakfast.
Take any last bathroom breaks prior to
boarding the bus
Communicate with your Veteran
Wherever your Veteran goes, you should be
next to them at ALL times

8. BUS TRANSPORTATION
Veteran and Guardians – Always use the same seats
and remember what bus you are assigned to
Alpha
Bravo
Charlie
Guardians always off the bus first and get wheelchair
ready
Listen for the Veteran’s name as they come down
Headcount and equipment – Check before departure
Veterans can stay on the bus if they get tired/ want to
take a nap
If your Veteran stays on the bus, then YOU will stay on
the bus with them.

9. SAFETY- FOREMOST AT ALL TIMES
Stay with your Veteran (IMPORTANT)
Accountability and Crowds
Know Veteran issues: Sight, hearing
etc.
Hydration and medical condition
Wheelchair vs. Walking
Loading and unloading buses
Restroom breaks

10. BUS SAFETY – ENTRY AND EXIT
All Guardians off the bus while Veterans remains
on the bus
Stage wheelchairs and be ready to listen for your
Veteran’s name being called out
At each stop, one person will be at the top of the
bus steps and two will be at the bottom (one being
a paramedic) NO EXCEPTIONS
WWII Veterans remain HANDS-FREE, especially
when going up and down the stairs
100 % Wheelchair- bound Veterans load and
unload first

11. WHEELCHAIR SAFETY
Always apply the wheelchair brakes every time
you stop and when your Veteran sits down or
stands up
Be EXTREMELY alert when they are 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 the
wheelchair
NEVER leave your Veteran in the wheelchair
unattended

12. WHEELCHAIRS AT MEMORIALS
Wheelchair access at the memorials
may be limited
Maintain a high sense of awareness
Watch for soft, uneven ground and
prevent any falls

13. SMOKING AND DRINKING
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 around 10:00PM or before 6:00AM
Drinking is not encouraged but if you do; drink
responsible and very moderately after all
Veterans are asleep
We want you and your Veteran hydrated with
water

14. TALK TO YOUR VETERAN
Help stir conversation among Veterans
Point out interesting things
Ask who served in the Pacific, Atlantic, etc.
Which military branch they served in
Be aware that some may not talk about their experience
Ask how the food was in WWII, clothing and equipment etc.
Encourage Veterans to share stories with each other
Get to know the Veteran and appreciate their experiences
Periodically, ask them if they need to use the restroom or
drink water.
Do not ignore your Veteran for your phone, book etc.

15. BE THEIR EYES AND EARS
KNOW the Veterans on your bus – who is heard
of hearing or legally blind (20 Veterans on each
bus)
Check the bus, airplane, waiting areas, wherever
they sit – For any items they have brought such as
luggage, wallets, glasses, phones, cameras, hats
etc.
Echo any important announcements that are
made and ask the Veteran if they heard what was
said.

16. BE THEIR HANDS
Don’t just hand your Veteran a bottle of
water; unscrew the cap for them before
handing them the bottle
Assist them with all of their meals
Be aware of how they are eating or not
eating
If they drop something, YOU pick it up
Carry any items the Veteran brought

17. PHOTOS
Photos will be posted on the Honor
Flight Austin Facebook throughout the
tour
Share any photos with us!

18. THANK YOU!
Most Important Factor
SAFETY – SAFETY – SAFETY
Help make this trip a great experience
Questions?