What exactly is community? A sense of belonging? An identity shared amongst your peers? Or this overabounding sense of unity under the veil of uplifting one another? In many ways, it is the combination of all three. As Veteran’s Day approaches, we transition into this sense of vulnerability, understanding that our daily struggles pale in comparison to the efforts of our soldiers, both domestic and abroad. Our peaceful existence is at the hands of the brave men and women who don our nation’s colors and fight in the name of our freedom. Our community hinges upon our security but this security also transcends to the homeland when these defenders of freedom return back to civilian life.
At this intersection, is where we find Master Pilot Nick Hardy and his 30+ years of helicopter experience. Serving in the Army as a Pilot from 1990-2001, Hardy’s experiences abroad are enough for a book and then some. Since a child, there was not a doubt in his mind that he was going to be a pilot and that was by any means necessary. When the prices of rentals and lessons became far too costly in the late 80’s, Hardy decided to kill two birds with one stone. Adhering to the “call of service” often placed on the youth as well as following his dream as a helicopter pilot, Hardy decided to enroll in the Army.
The story of how he began his journey with STAT MedEvac is interesting to say the least. While on leave and returning home to Pittsburgh to oversee one of his mother’s operations at UPMC Presbyterian, he was sitting in the cafeteria, which used to overlook the helipad. Noticing the helicopter was black and gold, and being a die-hard Steelers fan, the thought clunked around in the back of his head on how he would be able to fly it. After finding out that the company contracted through UPMC, a few calls, and a few answers later, he was asked “when can you start?” The only issue, he was still enlisted in the Army.
Fast forward 20 years and thousands of flight hours later, Nick said, “I am just grateful for the chances I was given and the resources made available to me.” The ability to utilize tools and knowledge I learned from flying in the Army eased my transition.” It was virtually “seamless,” as he equated flying helicopter’s to riding bikes. He continues, “Once you know how to ride one, you can ride them all.”
When asked what really attracted him to STAT MedEvac outside of the black and gold was this overwhelming sense of community and support. Despite not avoiding gunfire and being in combat zones, flying for STAT MedEvac mirrors the military in many fashions. Whether it is the rigid structure, support systems, trusted teamwork, or this sense of cohesion in the EMS community (ranging from firefighters, first-responders, paramedics, to emergency room staff)when serving his nation and community, Master Pilot Nick Hardy has gone above and beyond to represent the best qualities in us all.
In honor of Veteran’s Day, STAT MedEvac is thankful to Hardy and all of the veterans working at STAT MedEvac, the local fire, police and EMS agencies for their service, as well as those in military branches who have served and protected this country.