Membership, Veterans Seminar Attendees Compare Notes, Discuss Challenges

ALPA’s Membership Committee presented back-to-back Membership and Veterans Seminars at the Association’s McLean, Va., offices on June 24–25. More than 40 volunteers who serve on pilot group Membership Committees attended. Many also remained for the Veterans Seminar, which convened the afternoon of June 24 and continued through the next morning. Both groups heard presentations from Association leaders and subject-matter experts, reviewed available resources, and engaged in open discussions about differing approaches and best practices.

“Why are you here?” F/O Tim Kirschbaum (Hawaiian), ALPA’s Membership Committee chair and the seminar’s moderator, rhetorically asked in his opening comments. “You’re the union’s first contact with new hires, and, throughout your service, you strengthen the membership connection with both the master executive council and ALPA.” Kirchbaum then outlined what would be covered during the meeting.

Capt. Sean Creed, the union’s vice president–administration/secretary, welcomed the seminar attendees, highlighting the Association’s combined commitment to engage not only with new hires, but to also continually educate and assist ALPA members throughout their careers. “You serve as an important resource to your members,” he said, acknowledging the enormous growth the Association has witnessed in recent years, the changing demographics, and the subsequent need for strong membership engagement.

F/O Kaori Paris (United), the Professional Development Group (PDG) chair, reviewed the activities of the committees that encompass the PDG—Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion; Education; Leadership; and Membership, the subject of the seminar. Paris explained how these four groups work together to support the union’s strategic plan and, ultimately, member interests.

The Membership Seminar featured pilot and staff presentations, including one from Capt. Wendy Morse, the Association’s first vice president and national safety coordinator, who gave an overview of the structure and scope of the union’s Air Safety Organization. “ALPA was founded on safety,” she noted, highlighting the important work of the Aviation Safety, Aviation Security, Aviation Jumpseat, and Pilot Assistance Groups.

Capt. Travis Ludwig (United), the Association’s Pilot Assistance Group chair, discussed how Pilot Assistance supports pilot well-being and addresses issues related to medical certification. In addition, Capt. Wes Clapper, the union’s vice president–finance/treasurer, underscored the Association’s strong financial position and the administration’s plans for this summer’s dues return.

Other topics covered included new-hire briefings, the importance of mentoring, the membership application and report processing, and legal considerations for agency-shop agreements. Capt. Jade Schiewe (Endeavor Air), ALPA’s national resource coordinator, provided a demonstration of the Association’s mentoring software, and Elizabeth Baker, director of Government Affairs, reviewed the union’s lobbying efforts.

In addition, Capt. Taylor Hitson (Endeavor Air), who’s stepping down as ALPA’s Veterans Affairs chair to transition to Delta; Capt. Erik Gott (FedEx Express), a member of his pilot group’s Membership Committee; and Capt. John Tabet (Spirit), who chairs the Furloughed Pilots Support Program, facilitated a conversation about membership policies and practices at different ALPA pilot groups.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) was the focal point of much of what was covered during the Veterans Seminar. Attorneys and pilot volunteers explained the protections this legislation affords to airline pilots who are active-duty military, reservists, National Guard members, or veterans experiencing any service-related problem with their airline employers.

The Association has published a downloadable USERRA guide to give military members who also fly for airlines a better understanding of their rights. Visit alpa.org/veterans to access the guide and for more information.

Hitson and Capt. Anthony Bailey (Delta), ALPA’s new Veterans Affairs chair, discussed the important components for onboarding service members. Both acknowledged the need for ongoing communications and, when possible, customized mentoring to help bridge the enormous cultural differences between the two work environments.

Another valuable resource, RTAG, the world’s largest veteran-to-airline-career charity, helps to connect military pilots and maintenance staff with potential civilian employers. F/O Joshua Lee (United), RTAG’s president, remarked that his organization was created in part because military helicopter pilots were having difficulty translating their skills and experience when applying for airline flying jobs.

The Veterans Seminar attendees also reviewed related Veterans Affairs disability issues; the ongoing work of the Association’s Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, a component of ALPA’s Membership Committee; and the invaluable support system and network of resources the union provides. Moderator duties for the seminar were shared by Kirschbaum, Hitson, and Bailey.

This article was originally published in the August 2025 issue of Air Line Pilot.