Reminders
Never leave your Veteran alone!
Keeping the safety of the veterans in mind at all times is of utmost importance. Guardians should watch for tripping hazards such as steps, sidewalk cracks, parking lot and door thresholds, etc. This is your primary role – You are to care for the veterans in your care as if you were a family member.
Safety is our MAJOR concern. Be alert for any veteran who is having difficulty walking and have them sit down immediately. Get them into a wheelchair as soon as possible. Assist the veterans in getting around the airport, on and off the bus, around the memorials and the airport drop off area. You will have to watch some veterans closer than others. Be particularly alert toward the end of the day when fatigue is high. Watch for curbs and drop offs.
Remember this is a no cell phone day!
Guardian Supply List
- Rain Poncho for you and your vet and a small umbrella
- Cash for incidentals for you and your vet, get receipts for anything you buy your veteran and we will reimburse
- Camera and extra batteries
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Tissues
- Chap Stick
- Hand sanitizer
- Hard Candy
- Photo ID Government Issue, make sure your Vet has one as well
- Sun Glasses and ball cap
- Baby Wipes
- Bandana
- Paper & Pencil (for rubbings at memorials)
- Portable Charger
- Fleece throw
Guardian Guidelines
- At no time are you to leave your Veteran. If he/she stays on the bus you stay on the bus.
- Keeping the safety of the veterans in mind at all times is of utmost importance. Guardians should watch for tripping hazards such as steps, sidewalk cracks, parking lot and door thresholds, etc. Keep your hands free so you can quickly provide support, a backpack is recommended rather than a shoulder bag or one you have to hold with your hands. This is your primary role – You are to care for the veteran in your care as if they were a family member. We are depending on you just as the Veterans family is depending on you to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Veteran you are being entrusted with.
- Safety is our MAJOR concern. Be alert for any veteran who is having difficulty walking and have them sit down immediately. Get them into a wheelchair as soon as possible. Assist the veterans in getting around the airport, on and off the bus, around the memorials and the airport parking garages. You will have to watch some veterans closer than others. Be particularly alert toward the end of the day when fatigue is high. Watch for curbs and drop offs. Be ready to assist them and help them proceed safely.
- Check to see if they have any items that may cause a problem going through security (i.e. penknives, metal membership cards, metal belt buckles, or bottles of water or juice).
- Inform your Bus Captain immediately if any veteran is complaining of fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or if he acts confused or disoriented.
- Try to be aware of personal items the veteran may leave on the bus, the airplane, in the waiting areas or restrooms and remind them to check that they have everything before moving from one location to another.
- Do not permit the veterans to pay for anything during the trip, except souvenirs. If you see a veteran trying to pay for food or drink, or tip a sky cap or bus driver, please stop them. You should then feel free to purchase the item or pay the tip and whenever possible get a receipt. Turn all receipts in to your Bus Captain and let him/her know what you have spent and you will be reimbursed.
- Many veterans will need to take meds on their own schedules not just at mealtimes. Don’t allow them to go off schedule. All veterans should be periodically asked if they have any medicine that needs taking; this should be done throughout the course of the day. Provide plenty of water to the vets.
- Make sure you and your veteran have a government issued photo I.D.
- You may come in contact with news media who want an interview. Please refer them to one of the support staff, do not agree to any interviews.
- When our veterans are asked about the most memorable part of their trip, the answer is always the same – it is the appreciation, admiration and sincere gratitude shown them by complete strangers for their service. You can help foster that recognition by honoring them verbally for their service in front of others who happen to be within earshot of your conversation.
- During the trip DO NOT accept donations for the program from other veterans or tourists. Direct all inquiries to the Bus Captain who will have a supply of business cards.
- Guardians need to bring a back pack that will fit all of the items that the vets and guardians will need throughout the whole day. We are mobile all day. Having jackets, little bags, newspapers, etc. in your hands makes it impossible to have your hands free for the veteran. This can be a real safety issue and it makes all of the “stuff” harder to keep track of. You will be reminded throughout the trip about this. Jackets need to be tied around your waist or in the backpack or on yourself. This goes for the veteran jackets, as well. Veterans should not lay their jackets over their laps. They can get into the wheelchair wheels and cause an accident.
- No Cell phone use! Use as a camera is allowed but there will be no talking or texting unless it is an EMERGENCY!
