Thank you for agreeing to be a Guardian on an upcoming Mission. Although you reviewed this document when first submitting your Guardian Application, we need to confirm you have read and understand the Villages Honor Flight Guardian Roles & Responsibilities document that you recently received via email.

If you have questions or need clarification on anything listed in the Roles and Responsibilities, please email us at guardiancoordinator@villageshonorflight.org and we will contact you.

VHF PROCEDURE EFFECTIVE DATE: 6-1-2024

MEETINGS: Time Commitment

FREE CPR class, if not already certified (2.5 hours)
Guardian meeting with Squad Leader prior to the Pre-flight session. (2 hours)
Mandatory Pre-flight meeting for Veterans and Guardians to meet each other and undergo training. (3 hours)
Group Social with those in your Squad (2.5 hours)
One on one time with vet- your choice
Flight Day (24 hours) Flightless (6 hours)
Reunion after the flight (2.5 hours)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

I understand my first responsibility as a Guardian is to my Veteran. I will ensure that my Veteran is never out of my sight, and I will treat him/her with respect and always maintain their dignity.
I understand that I am not a sightseer – the trip is all about the Veteran.
I understand that I must participate in early assessment of my Veteran's cognitive, memory, and physical abilities during pre-flight meetings, phone calls, socials, and in discussions with family members. I will report all findings to my Squad Leader, who will pass them along to Medical.
I understand dehydration can be a serious issue for a Veteran. It is critical that I monitor the liquid intake of my Veteran, and that any indication of dehydration be passed on to the medical staff.
I understand that my Veteran may have mobility issues or other health needs, and that it is my responsibility to attend to his/her needs and report any unresolved problems to the medical staff.
I understand that my Veteran’s safety is my most important task for the day. As my Veteran gets increasingly tired during the day, I will offer a wheelchair.
I understand that I will always carry ALL belongings for my Veteran at all times. I understand a backpack is necessary to keep my hands free to assist my Veteran.
I understand that I need to know what medications my Veteran takes, and I will be responsible for alerting the Veteran to take them at the appropriate time.
I understand that if there is an accident or an emergency beyond basic first aid, I will call 911 first and then contact the medical staff.
I must be able to drive myself to and from the American Legion on flight day.
I am responsible for my Veteran’s transportation on flight day, if he/she lives in or near The Villages.
I understand that I will take pictures for my Veteran and provide him/her a photo book soon after the flight.
I understand that during the flight, cell phones are only to be used for communicating if the Veteran has hearing problems, and for taking pictures of the Veteran. They are never to be used for personal use.
I understand that wheel chair safety and operation are my responsibility, and I will offer my Veteran a wheel chair every time we get off the bus.
I understand that VHF has rules and a chain of command, and I agree to follow both.
I understand that for a Mission to be successful everyone must pull together and work as a team.
I agree to follow instructions and to respond politely and respectfully to any requests made by either the flight staff or medical.
I agree to check email daily and respond as requested from the time I am assigned as a Guardian until the Reunion.
I understand that I must agree to be available between the pre-flight and the mission and confine my travel to the minimum.
I will help load and unload wheelchairs from the bus, if requested.
I understand that my performance as a Guardian will be assessed after the flight.

RESTROOM RESPONSIBILITIES

Guardians must make every effort to determine if the Veteran requires help in the restroom. A conversation with the family, or significant other can help, and all findings must be reported to Staff/ Medical. An adequate supply of Depends or pads from the Veteran’s home will be carried by the Guardian along with an extra pair of pants and socks, and wipes in a separate smaller bag/pack inside your back pack to allow discretion for Veteran.
Guardians must be willing to go into the restroom with the Veteran to assist as necessary. Opposite sex Guardians must arrange for their Veteran to be escorted by another Guardian. Guardians must insist on frequent restroom stops with their Veteran.
Restroom issues such as incontinence of urine or feces must be addressed by the medical staff immediately.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The role of a guardian requires some level of physical fitness and agility. Please answer the following questions regarding your readiness. This is not intended to discourage you; rather it is to assist the leaders in building the best possible and safest experience for every veteran on the mission. Please comment to clarify any responses.

Are you able to bend, squat or kneel multiple times throughout the day?*

Comments*

Are you able to climb 6 bus steps multiple times throughout the flight day?*

Comments*

Are you able to push / pull a wheelchair carrying a Veteran who weighs up to 250 pounds?*

Comments*

Are you able to walk at least 2 miles carrying a backpack?*

Comments*

Do you have any health considerations that may limit your ability to perform the duties as a guardian? Examples: respiratory, cardiac, or other physical limitations?*

Comments*

Are you able to remain alert and prepared to assist your veteran should he/she require it for the duration of the mission, approximately 24 hours?*

Comments*

Do you have experience as a caregiver, either professionally or personally?*

Comments*

Digital Signature, Type Name*

Enter your Name

Date Signed

Date

Note: If you would like to print a copy for your records, please "Print Form" before submitting. You do not need to bring a copy to the preflight meeting if you accepted digitally and submitted.