Skyward!

Army/Navy veteran Walter Carter takes flight with Never Too Late

By Luann Mason Columnist

Morristown Manor resident Walter Carter wished he could fly in a helicopter. Staff members heard his wish and worked with Bob Haverstick, founder and executive director of the Indianapolis-based Never Too Late, to grant the 72-year-old's wish. Pilot Jim Ogilvie (front) was instrumental in granting Morristown Manor resident Walter Carter's wish to fly in a helicopter. Photo - Luann Mason
Walter Carter's 45-minute flight was in an area around Columbus Municipal Airport.  Luann Mason

Friday, October 12, 2007: The U.S. Army let Walter Carter "be all that (he) could be" just as its slogan states, then the U.S. Navy gave him the ability to "accelerate (his) life." But for decades, something was missing; something that military service logically could have provided but didn't. 

"I've seen them fly and watched movies with them, but had never been on one and wanted to see what it's like," Carter said about helicopters. His wish to take flight inside the rotary aircraft surfaced time and time again through conversations the 72-year-old had with staff members at Morristown Manor, so it seemed natural to them to combine forces with Never Too Late in Indianapolis to grant Carter's wish. 

Founded in January 2000, Never Too Late operates with a simple mission administered by a corps of volunteers: "To fulfill the wishes of seniors."

Founder and Executive Director Bob Haverstick has repeatedly stated that "this program is about taking people who feel invisible and forgotten and showing them we care, just because they are alive and with us. It is not about what they bring to the table or what they can do for us. It is about our remembering them and honoring them for all they have ever done or been all of their long lives. This is a full-circle treatment, honoring their early and middle years, and treating them with grace and dignity in their final years." 

Carter's wish started unfolding earlier this week when the Morristown Manor van pulled in next to the hangar that housed a helicopter owned and piloted by Jim Ogilvie. Excitement visibly overshadowed any apprehension Carter might have had about his impending liftoff into the sky, and the watchful eyes of at least a dozen Manor residents widened as they waited inside the van, absorbing the entire flight process. 

Of course, Carter was wide-eyed, too, appearing totally relaxed as he sat in a wheelchair on the tarmac of Columbus Municipal Airport gazing at the vertical flyer he was about to board. He had opportunities in his lifetime to fly in aircraft of all shapes and sizes, but never in a helicopter. 

Good day to fly

Strapped in and ready to go, Carter surveyed the low cloud deck that blanketed the overcast sky. Ogilvie, in the meantime, started the engine. The brisk bite in the air, according to Ogilvie, made it a good day for flying. In fact, he said helicopters actually perform better in cooler temperatures. 

The smooth takeoff was just the beginning of Carter's 45-minute ride, sponsored by Columbus Silgas. The ride also included passengers Tammy Voiles, the Manor's nursing liaison-medical records, and fellow veteran James Harrold. 

Carter's earlier experiences with air travel are traced back to military days that have a unique twist. Two military branches recorded his years of service. 

His enlistment in the Army spanned three years, starting right after graduation with Fairland High School's Class of 1953, then, after spending 92 days as a civilian, he re-enlisted, but this time he committed himself to four years of service in the Navy. 

"They had still been fighting in Korea, but a truce was called in my 10th week of basic (in the Army)," he said, so he attended general supplies school and served as a peacetime soldier. "I went to England for two years as an aviation engineer." Civilian life followed, for just about three months. "I went to re-enlist with the Army, but no one was there," Carter said. "But, the Navy recruiter was there, so I re-enlisted for four years. They didn't know I had been in the Army, so I went through basic training again." 

He was assigned to a destroyer ship and learned to operate the vessel's radar. 

Staying strong

Today, Carter's learning ability has taken a different path. Self-determination continues the therapy he learned earlier to strengthen movement in his legs.

"I had a stroke in Tennessee in October 1999," he said. "I was transferred here to be closer to my family's care." His left arm and hand have been paralyzed since the stroke, and his legs are partially paralyzed.

Carter is one of eight siblings who include his brothers, Harvey, John, James, Ralph and Harry Carter Jr., sister, Doris Scott, and the late Sarah Maynard.

He used to deer hunt and fish during the middle years of his life, and he performed maintenance jobs for people. He also was a scale technician who calibrated scales others used in railroad and truck firms to ensure compliance with weight limits set by state guidelines.

Now in his senior years, Carter has time, a hobby that he truly treasures. 

"I started collecting pocket watches when I came here," he said, referring again to his home setting at Morristown Manor. "I have five that have all of the military emblems on them. They just caught my eye." 

To submit a wish request for someone, to volunteer, or make a monetary donation to help make wishes come true, contact Never Too Late either at www.nevertoolate.org or by phone at (317) 823-4705. 

Numerous wishes of Shelby County residents have been granted by the not-for-profit organization and Haverstick expects the 1,400th wish will be granted by the end of November. Wishes are granted mainly to senior citizens ages 65 years and older through monetary donations of benefactors and individuals, according to Haverstick. "We're still looking for foundation or corporate funds to help us continue our mission into and beyond 2008."