Veterans in Hospice Care, Transportation Assistance Program (H.T.A.P.) with Luke’s Wings & ALFA Fall 2012

Project Partners

Project Luke’s Wings Mission Statements A Fully Tax Deductible 501(c)3 Non-profit Corporation. Employee Identification Number: Luke’s Wings is an organization founded in January 2008, dedicated to the support of service members who have been wounded in battle. Recognizing the immediate need for families to be with their loved ones at such a difficult time, Luke’s Wings provides families with the means to visit during the service member’s hospitalization and rehabilitation. By purchasing travel agency services and travel tickets for loved ones, Luke’s Wings provides an immediate and invaluable service to the families of our men and women at arms while also helping to encourage and motivate the service member’s recovery. In 2011, Luke’s Wings expanded the mission to also include Texas veterans during major life events and all veterans nationwide in hospice care within the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) member senior living communities. Today, the majority of requests are for World War II veterans, Korean War veterans, and Vietnam War veterans in senior living communities or nursing homes. Luke’s Wings regards the Veterans in Hospice Care Program as a “final salute” to the greatest generation that ever lived. While individual donations may be made directly on our website, Luke’s Wings also asks corporations to support our cause with corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations. Recognizing the difficulties families encounter as they make their way to their loved ones’ side, Luke’s Wings purchases the plane tickets and plans the trips, then Luke’s Wings partners with other non profit who can provide other services including, but not limited to, free or discounted accommodations, meals, entertainment, local travel vouchers, city tours, etc.

Facts/Statistics  Luke’s Wings is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation founded in Maryland in January 2008  Since inception in January of 2008, Luke’s Wings has processed over 600 family requests and has raised over $1,000,000.  Luke’s Wings currently delivers approximately $40,000 in flights every month.  Luke’s Wings has been recognized by the White House, the Department of Defense, and members of Congress.  Luke’s Wings has been featured multiple times on local and national news. News coverage and other family testimonials found here.found here  Our current website (including all our organizational history, news coverage, and financial statements) is located at:  Luke’s Wings is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation founded in Maryland in January 2008  Since inception in January of 2008, Luke’s Wings has processed over 600 family requests and has raised over $1,000,000.  Luke’s Wings currently delivers approximately $40,000 in flights every month.  Luke’s Wings has been recognized by the White House, the Department of Defense, and members of Congress.  Luke’s Wings has been featured multiple times on local and national news. News coverage and other family testimonials found here.found here  Our current website (including all our organizational history, news coverage, and financial statements) is located at:

Examples of Our Current Relationships Organizations and Hospitals Veterans Affairs USO Red Cross United Way IASIS Healthcare Family Seton Healthcare Family Methodist Health System MD Anderson St. Luke’s Texas VA Military Hospitals Brooke Army Medical Center James A. Haley Veteran Hospital Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Fort Drum U.S Army Medical Department Fort MacNair Andrew Radar U.S Army Health Clinic Fort Bragg Womack Army Medical Center Fort Hood Darnall Army Community Hospital

Requirements, Scope, and Goals Scope: The Project provides emergency flights for family members and loved ones of the veteran at the veteran’s request The veteran must request the flights specifically The veteran controls who he/she would like to see In the event the veteran is unable to communicate his/her wishes, the next of kin may make the request Flight requests must be made via a standard Luke’s Wings application (web based or document based) All applications must be approved and signed by the primary care giver/doctor It is a one time benefit for up to two family members of the resident A veteran card is required as part of the application process It is a hope that the program is used for those most in need of the service, but no financial evaluation is made prior to awarding of the tickets. Goal: To ensure that every veteran is surrounded by loved ones as they pass away. Additionally, to give the veteran and the family to have final words and say their goodbyes….“Never Alone.” Requirements: The Applicant must be a veteran who is in hospice care (as defined by a doctor’s best prognosis that the veteran has six months or less to live).

An Efficient process for quickly and effortlessly delivering airplane tickets to Veterans and their families: Instruction Cards are delivered to current Veteran Patients by the staff, nurses, front desk, etc. Veteran, family, or staff calls the Luke’s Wings Help Desk at: The Luke’s Wings Help Desk takes it from there – Assists in completing and approving the application The Help Desk forwards the application to MacNair Travel Management MacNair Travel Management MacNair Travel Management checks flights, calls the application’s key contact, books flights, and s flight itinerary Every DayAnytime15 minutes5 minuteLess than 3 hours All Veterans receive a profession travel agent. Luke’s Wings covers the cost of all flights using donations from corporations and individuals

Luke’s Wings Help Desk Roles Receive travel requests via phone and Complete and review travel requests Deliver approved applications to MacNair Travel Management Assist with booking and special requests on an as needed basis Follow up to ensure travelers receive best in class experience Every Day15 minutes5 minutes5 minuteOngoing

MacNair Travel Agency’s Role Receive and interpret travel request Search for flights that best meet the needs of the veteran and their family Contact the veteran and family to provide flight options Book the flights and deliver the itinerary via Remain connected as needed to change flights, rebook, etc. 2 hours15 minutes30 minutes15 minuteOngoing

Member Communities’Roles Distribute program information to staff and veterans Identify current veteran candidates Deliver Flight Cards to current veteran candidates Add information to the information boards Provide honest feedback and process improvement ideas Ongoing ImmediatelyOngoing

A Smooth Operation Luke’s Wings ALFA and ALFA Members Veteran Resident on Hospice Application MacNair Travel Management Veteran Resident on Hospice

Example of current information card: Click and Print

THANK YOU! On behalf of our veterans, ALFA, and Project Luke’s Wings, we thank you for partnering with us to serve veterans in hospice care.