THE HISTORY

OF

BIRDS OF A FEATHER
 

1972 -- 2007

In November 1972 Ward B spoke at the ALPA Board of Directors meeting about the need to keep pilots' jobs after they are in recovery. Aeromedical Advisor Dr. Richard L. Masters addressed in closed door session the need for establishing a health program to address the disease of alcoholism. In May 1974 the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism  approved a grant to ALPA to fund a project known as Human Intervention and Motivation Study, HIMS for short, offering assistance to  pilots who needed help as a result of excessive drinking. The first target airlines were Continental, Frontier and Braniff, chosen for their comparable size and diversity of medical programs. A liaison was established with the FAA to develop return to work procedures after diagnosis and successful treatment. The first of HIMS training sessions began in March 1975, originally planned as a 5-year study of the three airlines. In actuality the program lasted 8 years and eventually had 23 airline participants.

Coincidentally, in the Spring of 1975 after an airline pilot and an astronaut went public with their alcohol problems and subsequent treatment, Mike M, an airline dispatcher, sought treatment for people from his airline who suffered from alcoholism. Early that summer Mike went to Larry H., then director of the Alcohol Center at Puget Sound Hospital in Tacoma. Later that summer those two men met with Ward B to discuss the need for an AA meeting for airmen only. Later Rudy D was included, and he vigorously approved the notion since his airline had announced they had no alcoholic pilots and would fire him if they found one. Al J joined the other four and the first meeting was held on December 5 of that year. Ward let the FAA know he was a recovering alcoholic, and their response was that it was self-diagnosis, so they had nothing to do with it. (Return to Top)

These Birds pioneers had quite a battle ahead of them because at that time FAA regulations declared that alcoholism was grounds for mandatory denial of an airline pilot's medical certificate. The airlines, ALPA, and the Military Services had only developed a perfunctory awareness of the problems of alcoholism and of the importance of AA in helping recovery. Also, their early meetings were criticized by other AA groups, accusing the Birds of violating the 3rd tradition by apparent discrimination against non-flight individuals. Al J contacted the General Service Board in February of 1976, and they responded that "many special interest groups do meet together, and one of the ways this has been solved is by referring to it as a "meeting" rather than as a "group"".

By February 1976 when the San Francisco nest was born, these guys weren't sitting on their hands - Birds were writing letters and making contacts and doing everything they could not only to carry the message to other alcoholics, but get the aviation world aware that lives could be saved - not only that, to add a little honey to the pot, they assured the airlines they'd save lots of money by not firing the alcoholic pilots, but getting help for them. They were in full force at the HIMS seminars, pushing their points with the FAA, airline executives, medical people, union officials, anyone who would listen. They got a great deal of help from Dr. Joe Pursch, now an honorary Bird, and Dr. Bart Pakull, chief psychiatrist of the FAA was listening to them. It seemed the FAA was beginning to change its position. By September of that year United's MEC, Medical, and Flight Operations offices issued a joint statement establishing an Employee Assistance Program - designed to assist pilot employees with difficulties that may ensue from alcohol dependency.- It was a landmark, and United was first, soon followed by the other carriers.  (Return to Top)

In May Chuck G, an early Bird who then had 12 years of sobriety, appeared as one of a 53-member panel of recovering alcoholic professionals on behalf of the National Council on Alcoholism in Washington, On November 10 the FAA issued their exemption letter based on the United/ALPA agreement. In December of that year, as Seattle Birds celebrated their first birthday, there were nests there, in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City. Also in December Chuck G volunteered as the first exemption test case to Dr Pursch, Dr. Homer Reighard, Federal Air Surgeon, and Dr Frank Schwartz of United Airlines. The good doctors figured they could get it together in 30 days with all this recovery talk going on, but because of Carter's inauguration it took 33. January 15,1977 Chuck got his exemption.

That same month Pan Am, with gentle prodding from Ward B, issued a supplement to their Flight Ops Magazine, titled  "The Alcoholic - You Can Help." Also in January, Mike M. edited the first mimeographed issue of "Birds Eye View," a newsletter for the rapidly growing nest population. He announced there were now 6 nests in the US, plus unofficial nests in Germany, Barbados, and some Ag pilots in Saudi Arabia. At the Seattle Birds second birthday party in December of 1977, the principal speaker was Dr. H.L. Reighard, the Federal Air Surgeon. It was great progress in a short time to have a speaker of his federal authority, discussing the disease and exemption process before a group of recovering alcoholic pilots. At San Francisco's 2nd party the following February Doctors Pursch and Pakull were the principal speakers. In December of that year (1978) the first National Birds meeting was held to serve as a central body, coordinate communication, and assist new nest formations. John R. was elected secretary. For some time John had been bidding Washington schedules out of San Francisco so he could do some not-always-so-gentle prodding of FAA officialdom. (Return to Top)

In October of 1979 Al J and Ward B explained the BOAF program at the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Committee meeting at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma. The McChord newspaper did a story on the presentation and listed Al and Ward as contacts. Subsequently the Commanding Officer issued a pamphlet called "Bottle to Throttle" to all pilots, navigators and flight surgeons - the pamphlet had been given to him, of course, by our own Ward and Al, and included their phone numbers again. Chuck G became the 2nd Big Bird of National BOAF in December.

The following April, 1980 the Air Force Surgeon General authorized major commands to okay the return of rehabilitated problem drinkers to flying status. The Birds were forging ahead full throttle. In May there were nine nests. December of 1980 marked the first International meeting in Renton, WA. Al J was elected secretary and served for two years.

April 3, 1981, Cindy Rucker, one of the first female commercial airline pilots, put out the first issue of the "Bird Word," a publication to be sent out to the Birds four times a year, to replace the random issues of "Birds Eye View." The mascot was Orville C. Gull, a bird seeking to stay sober through the fellowship of AA. Sadly the second issue was edited by Pat W. and carried Cindy's obituary. She was tragically killed when she crashed during an air show performance, but her legacy still lives on in her lasting memorial, The Bird Word. Buzz A spoke at her service and messages were received from Mrs. Betty F. and Dr. Reighard, Federal Air Surgeon. By December of 1981 there were 14 nests, including Vancouver, officially making Birds International, with a membership of 335. (Return to Top)

It was decided to move the annual meeting to May, and Dean T was elected to follow Al in 1982. Federal funds for the HIMS seminars were withdrawn during that year - some of the Birds tried to keep it going on their own, but the task was too formidable.

Up to now there had been annual meetings of Birds of a Feather, usually held in conjunction with the Pearl Harbor (December 7) group in Washington DC. At the official BOAF convention in Atlanta in May of 1983 the Vancouver Birds announced that the Canadian Department of Transportation had accepted BOAF as a more than viable organization, just as the FAA had done in the United States. Grant B became the editor of the Bird Word, now publishing 500 copies at a clip.

Here we are in San Diego again, as we were in April of 1984, where a great time was had by all, just as now. In 1985 we convened in Chicago, and shortly thereafter Birds were well represented at the 50th AA birthday party in Montreal. Ron D, secretary at that time, explained Birds of a Feather to 1500 people at the Airline Coordinators meeting, along with Dr. Bart Pakull who shared insights on prevailing FAA involvement in recognition, treatment and control of alcoholism within the airline industry. He reported a 90% success rate in first time exemptions and special issuances since 1979. (Return to Top)

At the 1986 convention in Washington, Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Frank Austin reported that 700 pilots had been recertified. Linn J took over as Editor of the Bird Word, now done with a word processor and lookin' good! A Southern California consortium of nests put on the 1987 convention in Orange County, and 1988 found us with our first International Nest in Vancouver BC, where Bill P was elected Big Bird. Mike M, one of the original Birds, passed away in August of that year.

1989 found us in Miami where we learned that over 1000 commercial pilots had returned to work, a monumental achievement and very different from previous automatic dismissal not too many years earlier. In that year an editorial appeared in Western Flyer, a widely distributed and respected newspaper aimed primarily at general aviation.  The author heaped praise on the past and continuing efforts of Birds of a Feather to help their fellow alcoholic airmen back to productive lives. He concluded the editorial with telephone contact numbers for 25 nests in the United States, Canada, Germany and Iceland.

In 1990 the Birds convention was held in Las Vegas, where we were honored with a private performance by the Air Force Thunderbirds. A couple of months later Birds hosted a hospitality suite at the Big 55th AA Birthday Bash in Seattle. That year more than 600 issues of the Bird Word were being published, with Frank G. as the newest editor. (Return to Top)

The BOAF lapel buttons got in motion at the 1991 convention in Atlanta. Sadly, Al J, one of the original  Birds, passed away in March of that year. It was Al who had acted as the Birds liaison with the General Service Office in New York. He and Ward B made quite a team in the early years, blazing the trail for recovering pilots in whatever ways seemed appropriate, sometimes with a gentle nudge, but more often than not, with in-your-face behavior!

The theme of the 1992 convention in Portland was "Amazing Grace" - their hostess was a mannequin named Grace who appeared in various costumes at every event, and the appropriate response to any comment about her was "That Grace - she's amazing! Fritz G. was installed as Big Bird, and many of us bought the new BOAF lapel pins, a circle and triangle with a seagull in flight at the center, originated by Mac M. (SAN) in 1980-81. When the convention closed with all of us singing "Amazing Grace" together, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. By now, nests were sponsoring personal messages in professional publications offering contact numbers for pilots who might need or want help. (Return to Top)

Our Higher Powers cooled the weather off only during the days of our convention of warmth and fellowship in Palm Springs, 1993. We were issued a rare invitation to tour and have lunch at the Betty Ford Center there. Jack B. was the new Editor of the Bird Word, which had graduated from word processor to professional looking computer printing and now listed 56 nests or contact points. During this time (1992-1996) HIMS II financed by the Air Line Pilots Association, focused on alcoholism at the level of regional Airlines.

The Portsmouth New Hampshire convention in 1994 had us buying golf hats with the lapel pin logo, and there began the planning that leads us to today. The Bird Word came onto the information super-highway, so that any member with a modem could e-mail notices, letters, or articles. In the fall Betsy D. started coordinating Birds on the Internet, and a new nest was born. As of this writing the NetNest, as it's called, has 38 extraordinarily active members, sharing experience, strength and hope on a daily basis worldwide. That makes 65 nests or contact points to date, and the beat goes on. (Return to Top)

Glen B accepted the Big Bird's hat at our annual convention in 1995, with Mac M heading the SAN nest. The gathering coincided with the International Convention celebrating the 60th birthday of AA, Birds of a Feather was listed in the official program guide, showing the scheduled workshop where several of our members explained our purpose. We've come a long way!

Sadly, during 1994 we mourned the loss of John R., who played a significant role in the recertification process. We also lost Ward B., co-founder and prime mover in the recognition by officialdom that recovering pilots could, in fact, be restored to lives of productivity. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Ward responded, "As an airman and co-founder of Birds of a Feather." Now in the 20th year of our existence, we are convinced to a man that Ward, Al J., John R. and all the other Birds who have Flown West are sitting with Dr. Bob and Bill W. where they can watch the growth, the fellowship, and the recovery in Birds of a Feather - and they smile. (Return to Top)

Respectfully submitted,

Richey G.,  SFO 
(The above distributed at BOAF Convention ~ June 1995~San Diego CA) 


ADDITIONS

In May, 1996 a truly international Birds group, including those from Iceland and Germany, convened at Pensacola Beach FL. Sunrise meetings were held daily on the beach, and experience, strength and hope flowed freely in a magnificent setting. Father Martin was the guest speaker at the banquet, held beneath a formation of Blue Angels at the Naval Aviation Museum.

June,  1997 found a warm and loving group of Birds flocking to warm and hospitable Tempe AZ for the annual convention, hosted by the PHX nest. Birds were all over the place, playing in the golf tournament, touring air museums, attending AA meetings, and gathering for fellowship in the hospitality suite. Big Bird's hat was passed to George S. The honored guest throughout the convention was Dodie Buckingham, widow of founder Ward B, from Seattle. At the banquet Dodie was given a pendant, crafted from a BOAF lapel pin - a touching moment. She tells this historian that she never takes it off. (Return to Top)

Bob H of Charleston SC single-handedly took on the job as host of the 1998 convention, held in March. Birds from all over found the area an interesting, historic place for touring and enjoying southern hospitality. The banquet was held on the impressive hangar deck of the USS Yorktown, moored permanently in Charleston. Our own Lyle P. was the equally impressive speaker. The Birds were especially grateful to Bob H, for taking on the monumental task of hosting the convention. According to authorities, "to date about 3000 airline pilots with the diagnosis of alcoholism have been returned to the cockpit, but that would not include the thousands with DUI's/DWI's, the private pilots etc., who were certified as an appendage of the Airline Pilot Program." Additionally, much of the very successful HIMS (both HIMS I and HIMS II) program methodology had fallen by the wayside, in the belief that "drug testing" would supplant the need for the HIMS program. That did not happen. Now, HIMS is back again. And Dr. Audie Davis, the FAA official who was so instrumental in bringing change to the agency's medical certification policy, will manage this alcohol intervention and recovery program for airline pilots. Jerry N. started the BirdWord editor's job, and there's a new format - quite a change from the early mimeographs of "Birds Eye View."

During fall and winter 1998-99 Mighty Big Bird, George S and his capable sidekick Tom B worked diligently to find our convention a home for 1999. They arranged for us to meet in Colorado Springs, and though we had a relatively small gathering, it was productive. Tom B moved into the Big Bird seat, and the first woman was elected to fill the alternate secretary/treasurer's position, Dotty W from FLL. The professional panel (O'Connor, Masters, Marinelli, Pursch, O'Flaherty, Talley) talked of both past and present developments in their fields, but expressed concern at an increased relapse rate. Walt D (MSP) agreed to arrange for the next convention in Minneapolis, immediately prior to AA's Big 65^th birthday party. (Return to Top)

BOAF Convention 2000 (MSP) 
Walt D did a yeoman job, and a grand time was had by all. The strike at several hotels in Minneapolis did nothing at all to dampen the enthusiasm of the Birds who attended the MSP 2000 BOAF convention. Walt even arranged a tour to see Buffalo House, a halfway home for about 30 men, that he and some other AA members put together. In spite of the strike the hotel managed to put on a fabulous banquet for us Tuesday night, and a lovely breakfast for our final meal together.

The business meeting produced news. BOAF will have an official website, and the NetNest added some new members. Also Jerry N will be stepping down as our very capable editor after the next issue of the BirdWord, and Patrick W has volunteered to take over the job. Mike B showed up with lapel pins and assorted tourist information to get us thinking about May of 2001, when once again the BOAF International will convene, in Irving (Dallas) TX. (Return to Top)

The Birds didn't slow down after their convention. Dotty W got them organized for participation in manning a hospitality suite and moderated a panel of four Birds speaking at the professional forum at the world convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. The BOAF meeting played to a full house and there was lively discussion after the presentation, with several subscribing to The Bird Word and at least two being added to the NetNest.

BOAF Convention 2001 (DFW)
Mike B, Michael S and many others of the Dallas nest put together a memorable 25th anniversary convention where Birds of many lands flocked to share their experience, strength and hope. A full schedule of AA and Al-anon meetings were available throughout the four days including a Gratitude meeting chaired by Hal M of the DCA nest. The business meeting resulted in the appointment of our first lady Big Bird as Dotty W (FLL) accepted the Big Bird hat from Tom B (PNS). Scott H (PHX) assumes the service position as alternate secretary and treasurer. Richey G (SFO) found a volunteer in Rick B (PSM) as historian. We heard that BOAF is now listed in GSO's international and professional editions, and that there are potential new nests in Richmond, VA and Anchorage, AK. The NetNesters were delighted to learn that the website is very successful, and a hearty discussion ensued about adding HIMS and ALPA Aeromedical numbers. Representatives from TWA and American Airlines provided insight into dealing with pilots identified with alcoholism in a professional panel discussion. The Saturday banquet and dinner was delightful. Held in the C.R. Smith Museum we dined beneath the wing of a DC-3, watched a beautiful film which began with Michael Bolton crooning "Standing on the shoulders of those who've gone before"..  and heard an inspiring message from Don P of Wichita.  Michael S (DFW) sent us home reminding us that we do this together. (Return to Top) 

BOAF Convention 2002 (PDX)
Sober Birds of a Feather from around the globe were found in PDX in the spring of 2002. Highlights of this convention include a spiritual workshop with Johanna O providing tips for being open to the Divine Spirit and Garrett O's meaningful musical message of exile and survival, a bus tour to the museum housing the Spruce Goose then to an upscale treatment facility for a relapse prevention seminar.

Regularly scheduled morning and evening AA meetings, as well as a comfortable hospitality suite enabled us to renew old friendships and begin new ones. The Professional forum provided discussion for current concerns in the Aviation Industry. The Business meeting, led by Big Bird Dotty W (FLL), dealt with the costs and process of registering the name of our group "Birds of A Feather", and protecting the use of "The Bird Word" and "BOAF International".

A decision was made to carry the message by increasing the number of aviation publications that would publish a statement about BOAF. Lyle P (ATL) told his story of being "Grounded" at the Saturday banquet held in the Pearson Air Museum. Neil S (SFO) shared his gratitude Sunday. The incredible service of Beth C, Amazing Grace and all of the PDX birds produced a Convention that brought a healthy dose of Unity, Recovery and Service (and greeting tote bags that helped us to find our way around.) (Return to Top)

BOAF Convention 2003 (ORD)
Many Birds have watched Ann and Tom W go through the dating and marriage process and their sons Thomas and Colin became BOAF nestlings from day one. The entire family has shown us what love and true commitment are about...in all areas of their lives...and this years gathering was no exception. They volunteered to host ORD 2003 and were joined in their BOAF dedication by Ann's sister Mary, her mother Rose and friend Kelly, all of whom were eager participants from the time the first Bird checked in. And they checked in from coast to coast as well as Iceland, Scotland and the UK.

The business meeting was lively as usual. There seems to be positive response to our notices in various aviation publications, and that process will continue. During the Nest reports, we were disappointed to learn the DEN nest is no longer active, though there will still be contacts listed in the BirdWord. After two years of diligent service, Dotty W turned over the Big Bird hat to Scott H, and the new guy on the team is Ricky K, a Bird from Scotland who becomes second-in-command. Dotty is hardly retiring from service...she and Jerry volunteered the FLL nest as hosts for 2004.  (Return to Top)

We golfed and shopped and toured, but the highlight was renewal of old friendships and making of new ones. There were AA/Alanon meetings morning and night, Dr. Pursch gave a wonderful presentation, speakers Grant B and Earl H were OUTSTANDING and there was a fabulous banquet on Saturday night and the annual spiritual breakfast to close the convention Sunday morning.

2004 found all of us in sunny Florida at the Ft. Lauderdale Convention in late April, early May.  It was held in conjunction with the Ft. Lauderdale Air & Sea Show and all week the Blue Angels were either practicing or doing their show for us and the folks on the beaches.  We went deep sea fishing plus other activities and our guest speaker at the banquet was Capt. Creighton Pendarvis.   Dr. Pursch was again in attendence at the forum and gave another interesting presentation.  Dotty, et. al. did a bang up job for us.  The Toronto nest gave us a taste of what they had in store at their convention next year in conjunction with AA's 70th Anniversary International Convention.

Toronto, Canada, sight of the 70th AA International Convention June, 2005.  The Toronto Nest under the leadership of Dick, Rick and Tom did a great job dove-tailing our convention just in front of the International.  Our hotel was in a perfect location and many of us stayed after our own convention to participate in either our first or for some their second or third International AA Convention.  The town of Toronto was awash in laughter and fellowship as tens of thousands of AA's from all over the world convened for their 5-year event.  The Royal Canadian Mounted Police loved us:  no violence, no crime, no problems.  It was truly a great event.  Our own convention saw Scott H. hand over the Big Bird hat and Big Bird Mug to Ricky K, our first "International" Big Bird.  Rusty N. of the DFW nest has been "inducted" to take over Ricky's treasurer duties.  One of the highlights of the convention was a large bus tour to Niagara Falls.  Our banquet speaker Dale A. inspired us with his story.  (return to top)

Birds of a Feather continues to grow as we enter 2006.  Not even a hurricane a few months before their event could have prevented the Pensacola Nest from hosting our convention this year.  Tom B. and the gang were able to put on a fine visit for us to the sunny beaches of Florida to include boat rides, a little golf, some shopping and a wonderful banquet at the Naval Museum sitting under a formation of A-4 Blue Angels in the large reception hall.  At the business meeting Scott H. was pressed into service as the new webmaster of the BOAF website.  We had AA sunrise meetings on the beach and once again interesting seminars and guest speakers.  We left sunburned and rested.

In 2007 it was a return to Phoenix, Arizona where once again we held our convention in Tempe at the same hotel we were at 10 years earlier.  This time, however, there was the new Tempe Town Lake available for our enjoyment.   Some interesting new things we did this year was an AA meeting on the lake on a chartered cruise boat, a large golf tournament, a night on the town at the Tempe Improv Comedy Club, movies in the hospitality suite every night with popcorn, activities for kids and numerous other events.   Dr. Kevin McCauley gave just an outstanding seminar on addictions and was followed up by Nancy Hay with her talk on Couples in Recovery.  Jack B., a retired SR-71 pilot, was our banquet speaker.  Last but not least, Rusty N. of DFW took over Big Bird duties from Ricky K. and Beth C. from Portland will be our new treasurer and Big Bird in waiting.  We all have Ken and Anita H. plus their helpful PHX nest minions to thank for a great convention.  It's off to Atlanta for next year.

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