The Honor Flight Network’s primary mission is to fly World
War II Veterans to Washington DC, to visit their newly constructed
WWII Memorial. Our primary focus is on World War II Veterans
because they are our nation’s most senior heroes. Across America,
about 1,200 WWII Veterans pass away every day.
Another category of veterans we are equally concerned for are
ALL those who served in uniform, that were recently diagnosed with a
terminal
illness. It is our mission to transport these veterans if they have
never been able to visit the various national memorials constructed
to honor the service and sacrifice of their brothers and sisters in
arms. All such veterans, regardless of the conflict they
participated in (Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, etc),
who wish to visit our nation’s existing memorials, will be invited
to do so. Specifically, this program includes ALL veterans, even
younger veterans who participated in recent conflicts for which a
national memorial does not exist. At the Honor Flight Network, we
feel they all should have an opportunity to clearly see and
appreciate how our nation honors those who were willing to lay down
their very lives in service to our country.
This special category
of veterans we refer to as “TLC’s,” meaning “Their Last Chance”.
Mr. James McLaughlin, Honor Flight President is
responsible for arranging all TLC flights. He has a host of
volunteers that assist him in accomplishing this noble task. TLC’s
are given top priority. We do everything possible ensure such
veterans are accommodated on the very next flight, regardless of
their location.
To determine if a veteran qualifies as a TLC, we apply the
following criteria:
Provide a note, signed by a
physician, with diagnosis and prognosis.
A current diagnosis of cancer, in any organ system EXCEPT the
prostate (unless extremely aggressive, rare forms) is considered
terminal if the physician concurs.
Acute Leukemia.
Presently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for a
cancerous condition OTHER THAN prostate cancer.
Any other terminal condition that, according to the veteran’s
private physician, is likely to limit the veteran's life to 12
months or less. Again, the diagnosis and prognosis must be stated
in a note signed by a physician.
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 will provide an FAA approved oxygen concentrator for
use during the trip. We also provide oxygen cylinders to be used at
the memorials. If overnight stays are required, we will provide an
overnight concentrator to use in the hotel room. 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.
These special veterans require close observation. To avoid
having an ill veteran travel alone, we must have ONE next-generation
guardian, willing to escort the veteran to DC.
For a
donation of $300, Honor Flight will provide the guardian with
transportation, meals, lodging, etc.. This guardian must be trained, competent and experienced in
the routine medical care of the veteran. If overnight stays are
required, we will book a room with two double beds so the guardian
can stay with the veteran. The guardian needs to complete a guardian
application and write "TLC Guardian" at the top of the page.
As always, the veteran is not required to pay for ANYTHING, unless
they choose to purchase souvenirs. They have paid enough with their
service to this country.
If you or someone you know meets this criteria, please contact Mr.
McLaughlin at (614) 237-3086 or (614) 558-6220 or e-mail him at
president@honorflight.org.
You may also submit an application here on-line. The
application for the Guardian for the TLC Program is below also.
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