Mike Patellis of Woodstock used his helicopter for more than sightseeing
tours this month. He used it to save lives.
Patellis is one of many Cherokee County residents who have traveled to the areas hit by Hurricane Katrina to help its victims.
Patellis, who owns Alpha Helicopters Inc. and Alpha Towing Inc. in Marietta, has traveled twice to affected areas. On his first trip, he rescued about 30 people from Tulane University Medical Center in downtown New Orleans and people stranded on bridges and roads.
"I flew constantly for 10 hours. All I did was stop for fuel," he said. "I was tired. I was hungry. I needed a good shave. I needed a shower."
Patellis said he was in one of the helicopters that snipers shot at while he was trying to rescue stranded residents.
"I've never had someone shoot at me when I was in my helicopter," he said, adding someone also tried to commandeer his helicopter. "It was very scary."
Patellis, who also distributed supplies on the trips, said it was rewarding to help the residents.
"I just decided to use my helicopter and help as many people as I could," he said, adding people he helped have called to thank him. "Everyone that I met was very appreciative of me helping them."
Patellis, who said he plans to go back if the area is hit by another hurricane, said he gave water to one man whose wife had suffered a stroke.
"I landed because I saw him out in a field and thought that he needed help," he said. "He said, 'You must be an angel.'"