What is a Guardian?
A guardian is a dedicated volunteer that accompanies and supports our honored veterans. Guardians are usually the first point of contact of assisting a Veteran.
What is our personnel layout?
With a program layout of roughly 80 veterans, 40 guardians, and 18 staff, guardians are key to the success of the program.
What do Guardians do?
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Guardians serve as Wheelchair Wranglers getting the wheelchairs out from under the tour bus prior to the veterans getting off the bus at each stop.
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Guardians serve as Stairs Monitors assisting Veterans off the bus and helping to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
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Guardians assist with moving luggage to and from buses, hotel rooms, etc.
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Guardians push wheelchairs and bring empty wheelchairs in case a a veteran gets tired. As the trip progresses, more veterans need assistance getting to or around the memorials and museums. You may have a veteran that can walk the entire trip. You may have a veteran who needs wheelchair assistance the entire trip.
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Guardians help staff hand out sack lunches, bottled water, and gather up trash on the buses.
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Guardians help veterans get their dinner first at the hotel both evenings.
Who can be a Guardian?
Anyone other than a spouse/significant other who can handle the physical requirements listed above.
Who cannot be a Guardian?
Spouse/significant other, and individuals who cannot handle the physical requirements cannot serve as Guardians.
What does it cost to be a Guardian?
Guardian cost is evaluated on a yearly basis; for October 2025 the cost is:
For Guardians who are not veterans themselves, the fee is $1,500.
For Guardians who are Veterans themselves, the fee is $750.
Guardian Prioritization & Pairing
Guardians who are family members of honored veterans receive priority.
Guardians may be responsible for two veterans but will never have two wheelchair-bound veteran responsibilities.
Rooming Questions
Our program is double-occupancy with 2 people per room.
Guardians usually room with their family veteran member, but it is not required. If not, then you would be paired up with another guardian or veteran.
Single rooms MAY be available by request, but the Guardian would bear the entire cost of the room.