Only 1.7 million World War II veterans are still alive today and about 500 of these individuals pass away every day. Public support is absolutely vital. We need the financial assistance of Bay Area residents, businesses, and other organizations to help fund these trips for World War II veterans in our region.
The cost for a three-day Honor Flight tour for each veteran is about $1200, which covers air and ground transportation, lodging and meals. The first Honor Flight tour sponsored by the Bay Area branch is scheduled for September 16-18.
Since 2005, the Honor Flight Network across the United States has made heroic efforts to ensure that remaining World War II veterans have the opportunity to see their monument and be recognized for their service. Once sufficient funds have been raised for an Honor Flight trip, a group of up to 30 veterans are flown to Washington, D.C. Veterans are issued color-coded shirts and identification, and are accompanied by volunteer “guardians” who help manage their needs and assist wheelchair-bound men and women.
Honor Flight offers our esteemed WWII veterans the experience of a lifetime, where they are recognized and honored every step of the way. These men and women fought for world freedom from tyranny. Every volunteer and donation represent our gratitude for their sacrifice.
As World War II veterans pass away, the Honor Flight tradition will transition to veterans of the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In addition, the most senior veterans of these conflicts, or those who are terminally ill, will be served first.
How to Support Honor Flights Veterans Trips:
To make a financial donation: Please go to Web Link Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
To apply for an Honor Flights tour (veterans, guardians, and volunteers): To apply as a WWII veteran for trip sponsorship, or to serve as a trip guardian or volunteer, please fill out the appropriate Honor Flight application found on the website. Completed applications and general correspondence should be sent to the Bay Area Branch office:
Honor Flight Bay Area Foundation
c/o General Electric
M/C HFBA
1989 Little Orchard Street
San Jose, CA 95125
Office: 408-925-1999
Fax 408-925-4459
email: admin@honorflightbayarea.org
Note: While airlines customarily donate tickets for the veterans, trip guardians pay their own way.
About the Honor Flight Foundation: The inaugural Honor Flight Tour took place in May of 2005. Six small planes flew out of Springfield, Ohio, taking 12 World War II Veterans on a visit to the memorial in Washington, DC. In August of 2005, an ever-expanding waiting list of Veterans led the transition to commercial airline carriers, with the goal of accommodating as many Veterans as possible. Partnering with HonorAir in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the "Honor Flight Network" was formed. Today, the network is expanding its programs to cities across the nation. The Bay Area hub was started in 2014 to serve those in the greater San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas. Presentations are available to local groups, schools, and organizations. Honor Flight Bay Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information, please visit www.honorflightbayarea.org.
