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[Mephistopheles]

This is the same Pete Keelan
http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/26430269.html


By Eric Clabaugh
Story Published: Aug 8, 2008 at 5:18 PM EST
Story Updated: Aug 8, 2008 at 5:18 PM EST
As children, we all have dreams.
But as we grow older sometimes, it's easy to stop chasing them.
It's a sad fact, but as we begin to age, those dreams can fade.
But as this next story explains, it's never too late to go after them, even if they seem a little out of reach.
Marine Captain Paul Troyer has accomplished much in his 68 years of life. A former pilot, Paul was a member of the 163rd Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron in the Vietnam war known as the "Ugly Angels."
His specialty: flying troops in and out of hot zones during the Vietnam War.
He's even helped train astronauts Scott Carpenter and Jim Lovell....the commander of Apollo 13.
Paul now has Multiple Sclerosis, so his dreams of climbing into a helicopter again didn't seem possible... but Tim Smith from Harborside Health Care in New Haven knew it's never too late to live out a dream.
Timothy Smith- Harborside Health Care in New Haven-North Unit Manager
"Paul indicated to me that he missed flying since that's what he loved but unable to do since he was
stricken with MS"
Tim contacted Never too late, a non profit based in indianapolis that's similar to make a wish foundation but for senior citizens in long term care.
They helped Tim get Paul back off the ground.
Paul Troyer:"well I feel fine, a little nervous not sure if I remember how to fly or not. I've been dreaming about it thinking I can do it but I don't know, we'll find out this morning. Reporter: Are you excited to have all your friends out here watching you do this? Paul: Yes, I hope I don't let them down."
At ten a.m. Air Force Pilot Pete Keelan touched down in this helicopter to pick up Paul.
Pete Keelan-Pilot who flew Paul:"well it was pretty simple. I wanted to give back to a guy who put his butt on the line for us and fight for freedom and give him the opportunity for a last ride in a helicopter. That's the least I can do."
As soon as they were airborne, Paul took the controls and was off.
Pete Keelan:"he flew most of the way himself. I pointed him in the right and he took off. He made a couple little turns with the stick and it just came back to him. It was like riding a bike. Even at his age you just don't lose those skills."
After a 30 minute flight, they touched down and it was mission complete.
"Reporter: So how was it Paul? Paul: It was great, brought back memories. Reporter: Was it like we talked earlier, kind of like riding a bike, it came back to you? Paul: Yeah it does."
The mission was also a success for the folks at the Harborside Health care in New Haven.
Timothy Smith:"anything that I can do to improve their quality of life or brings back something that they have missed that makes their life better, for an hour, for a minute, for whatever time frame I can put together for them means more to me than an medical training or anything I have ever done."