Flying Saved My Life: A Veteran’s Journey from the Skies to Survival
By Megan Kon, Public Affairs Specialist, VA Southeast Network
Kelly Keener has always loved seeing the world from above. A former Navy servicemember from 1994 to 1997, Kelly’s passion for flight never faded after his military years. “I just love seeing the world from aloft,” he says.
To keep that passion alive, Kelly joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), where the commanding officer of his squadron introduced him to Tiger Flight, a volunteer organization that provides aviation opportunities. “Between CAP and Tiger Flight, I get to do lots of volunteer work as a pilot,” Kelly explains.
Earlier this year, Kelly earned his commercial pilot certificate in April. But by May, his medical certificate had expired—a requirement for flying. Determined to continue flying small planes for CAP and Tiger Flight, Kelly asked his VA doctor, Dr. Sravanthi Vonguru, to sign off on something called BasicMed, a short form that allows pilots to fly without a traditional FAA medical certificate. “It’s a small, simple form—could take just about three to five minutes to fill out,” Kelly recalls.
Dr. Vonguru agreed to consider it but wanted to ensure Kelly was healthy enough to fly. “I wanted to listen to the patient—what are his risk factors? How has he been doing?” she says. She requested a cardiology check before signing off.
That precaution turned out to be lifesaving. Tests revealed three major blockages in Kelly’s heart. Further examination uncovered an 80% blockage in his left anterior descending artery, commonly known as the ‘Widowmaker.’ Without intervention, Kelly faced a life-threatening event.
“We had to send him to a CT surgeon for a bypass,” Dr. Vonguru explains. Kelly underwent open-heart surgery, a shocking turn for someone who thought he was healthy. “I’ve flown hang gliders, paddled whitewater—I lived in a state of denial. I thought I was pretty healthy,” Kelly admits. “I just never went to doctors before I had to.”
Today, Kelly credits his doctor, the VA, and his love of flying for saving his life. “To be honest, Dr. Vonguru, VA, and my flying saved my life,” he says with gratitude. For Dr. Vonguru, the outcome is deeply rewarding: “I felt really great that we did a good job as a healthcare team.”
Kelly’s story underscores the VA’s mission: to provide the highest standard of evidence-based care for every Veteran. “Every Veteran is important,” says Dr. Vonguru. Kelly, who served three years in the Navy, was surprised to learn he was eligible for VA healthcare. “I was honestly astounded,” he says. “We have plenty of access—every clinic is open for every Veteran.”
For Kelly, the skies remain his passion—but now, he flies with a renewed appreciation for life. “Again, they saved my life,” he says simply.
WATCH: Video of Kelly Keener’s experience at the Atlanta VA.