Ninety-Two Year Old Veteran of Crosby Commons Takes Flight

Paul Hurd, a 92-year old US Army Veteran, has always loved flying. During the war, he spent time in Italy, flying in helicopters and even jumping out of them!

Now a resident of Crosby Commons Assisted Living, Paul often takes advantage of the different out trips offered by the community. When visiting the Sikorsky Helicopter Museum, Paul took such an interest in aviation and showed such delight touching the controls of a grounded copter, Kelly Coppola, Recreation Director of Crosby Commons, began to think how she could incorporate Paul’s love of flying into a Journey of Dreams wish and make it possible for him to fly again.

"Paul is a true pleasure to spend time with. He is a very active member of our community, taking advantage of activities and out trips alike. He always has something positive to say and finds the good in all around him," Kelly explains. 

With Journey of Dreams in mind, Kelly asked Paul if he would ever “Take Flight” again. Before she could even finish her sentence, he belted out, “YES!”

On November 1^st, accompanied by his daughter Cristina and Marketing Coordinator Chelsea Sayegh, Paul boarded a Robinson R44 Helicopter out of Danbury Airport and embarked on a scenic 45 mile trip over Candlewood Lake.

 After Paul’s flight, the group, including Kelly Coppola and Executive Director of Crosby Commons, Lori Pisani, enjoyed an Italian lunch, Paul’s favorite, at Carl Anthony’s Restaurant in Monroe, CT.  

“This was a great treat! I was really looking forward to it,” says Paul.

See video below for footage of this great day!

Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community is located on the Wesley Village Campus in Shelton, CT. The award-winning “Journey of Dreams” program was created on the campus to offer opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment of individual dreams. To learn more about Crosby Commons or other dreams that have been fulfilled for residents, visit www.crosbycommons.org or call 203.225.5024.