Kenny Hardin still remembers the look on the little girls face. Hardin was flying the girl, who was about 7 years old, in his single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza. She was en route to have a medical procedure done. Hardin asked the girl if shed like to sit up front and help him fly the plane.

"The smile on her face was priceless," Hardin said. "It really got me. "There have been many moments like that for Hardin since he started volunteering for Airlift Hope. In three years, Hardin estimates hes flown about 100 missions, taking patients all over the eastern part of the country for various medical reasons.

Recently, Hardin - a Fayetteville resident who works in the construction business - was honored as North Carolina pilot of the year by the organization. He will be recognized at a ceremony in Virginia Beach, Va. , in April. "He flew 47 missions in 2009, which is really, really remarkable," said Airlift Hope spokeswoman Suzanne Rhodes.

"Frankly, he is a hero in our eyes and in the eyes of the patients he serves. Hes really one of the finest. "Airlift Hope, based in Virginia Beach,