Hudson Valley Honor Flight Mission 40 seeks Youth Guardian applications

Youth Guardian applications for the October Hudson Valley Honor Flight out of Steward Airport are due by Aug. 7. Interested participants are advised to begin their applications right away.

This program provides opportunities for youths to escort Vietnam-era and other veterans on Hudson Valley Honor Flights. While it provides youths a first-hand opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the meaning and value of patriotism, service, and sacrifice, it also assures these veterans that their legacy and stories will live long beyond them. This helps pass the baton of leadership from one generation of Americans to the next.

Who can apply?

Students who wish to apply must be at least 17 years of age, reside in the Hudson Valley Honor Flight coverage area (which includes Orange and Pike counties), attend a high school, local college or trade school, and be vetted and endorsed by their club/organization and their principal or dean’s office.

Applicants should show leadership potential through participation in such organizations as Junior ROTC; Boy and Girl Scouts; National Honor Society; Interact/Rotary, Leos/Lions, Kiwanis and many other community service and civil society organizations.

Current members of active, guard or reserve forces, or veterans under the age of 40 who served honorably, vetted through their organizations, employer, or the local American Legion Post, may also apply. Young veterans as members of community or county level police, fire and rescue, or first-response services are highly desired.

The HVHF has the final word on which youth guardians participate in the flights and may require and request an in-person interview with the applicant.

How to apply:

Interested youth can download the application at hvhonorflight.com/youthguardian.

Applications are due to sponsoring American Legion Posts, or to Youth Guardian Coordinator, Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Christopher Holsek, Col. U.S. Army (Ret.) at holshek@hotmail.com.

When is the Hudson Valley Honor Flight Mission 40?

Hudson Valley Honor Flight Mission 40 from SWF is confirmed for Saturday Oct. 17.