How much does it cost for a veteran to participate in an Honor Ride?
Thanks to the generosity of local donors, veterans travel (and dine) for free. If you want to bring money to buy souvenirs, you are welcome to do so.
How do I sign up to participate in an Honor Ride?
To sign up for an Honor Ride, please call (434) 242-5165 or e-mail cvillehonorride@gmail.com and provide your name, phone number and e-mail address (if you have one), and we will be in touch with you. Generally speaking, participation in Honor Rides occurs on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
Can I bring a spouse or other family member/friend along on an Honor Ride?
Yes, though your traveling companion will have to pay the participation fee of $48 (which is waived for the participating veterans themselves) and provide for his/her own lunch.
Does the Honor Ride bus accommodate veterans in wheelchairs?
Yes, but please notify us in advance if you are traveling in a wheelchair. Veterans in wheelchairs will need to arrange for their own traveling companions to assist them in getting on and off the bus and in and around DC. Honor Ride buses are wheelchair-lift equipped.
How long is a typical Honor Ride?
A typical Honor Ride will last approximately 11-12 hours, leaving Charlottesville early in the morning and returning by dinner time. Check the announcement for each trip for anticipated departure and arrival times.
Does a veteran have to have served in World War II, Korea or Vietnam to participate in an Honor Ride?
No, but preference is given to veterans of those conflicts. Younger veterans (Iraq, Afghanistan, Desert Storm, Granada, etc.) are welcome to participate as space permits.
Do I have to be a resident of the City of Charlottesville to participate?
No, Charlottesville Honor Ride is open to veterans living throughout the Charlottesville region (Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Greene, Nelson). Since the City of Charlottesville is a charter sponsor of the program, however, some preference is given to residents of the City. (Please encourage other local governments to sponsor Honor Ride as well so their residents will enjoy a similar preference!) If you are not a resident of the Charlottesville region, you are welcome to participate as space permits. Veterans from other parts of the state or country are encouraged to contact the Honor Flight Network at www.honorflight.org to learn about trips that may be originating in their areas.
My family/church/civic group/business would like to help more veterans participate in a Charlottesville Honor Ride. Do you accept monetary contributions?
Yes! Charlottesville Honor Ride has zero overhead costs, so 100% of the funds we collect go directly to enabling more local veterans to participate. To contribute any sum, large or small, make your check out to "Senior Center," designate "Honor Ride" in the memo line and mail it to:
The Senior Center
1180 Pepsi Place
Charlottesville, VA 22901
For information on making a credit-card or on-line donation, please click here.
All donations to Charlottesville Honor Ride are tax-deductible. Thank you for supporting our veterans!
