Exemplifying the Spirit of Volunteerism that Makes ALPA Great

ALPA’s long-standing motto of pilots serving pilots provides a foundational understanding of how our union has not only endured, but also thrived during nearly 95 years of technological, institutional, and cultural change. Throughout the Association’s history, ALPA members have taken ownership of their profession, ensuring that it continues to flourish through their engagement and input and by constantly seeking better ways to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.

Time after time, members of our union have served as industry sentinels, promoting operational safety and security and U.S. and Canadian airline and employee protections, advancing the profession in both big and small ways. These pilot volunteers are the foundation of ALPA, underscoring that our union—the most powerful pilots union in the world—is run by pilots, for pilots.

The Association is successful in achieving its goals due to the passion and dedication of these individuals. From volunteers undertaking everyday tasks that keep our many pilot groups operating to those performing specialty roles that advance strategic initiatives, we simply couldn’t accomplish our level of success without them. And this year, we’re working with our many pilot groups to properly thank the thousands of Association members who step up to serve—often during challenging times and without seeking any acknowledgement for their efforts.

While it’s impossible to recognize the vast number of airline pilot volunteers and the many contributions they’ve made since the original 24 founding members assembled in Chicago, Ill., in 1931 to establish our union, we’ve begun a campaign at the national level to acknowledge our current volunteers while working to recruit the next ones and build our bench. And as volunteerism begins with one person raising their hand, I want to highlight the efforts of one such member.

Capt. Jeremy “Thorne” Saylor (Air Wisconsin) grew up in a ranching family in Montana before beginning his aviation career as a U.S. Army helicopter crew chief. After multiple tours of duty overseas, Saylor came home and transitioned to his state’s Army National Guard, using his GI Bill benefits to put himself through flight school. He started flying turboprops for American Eagle, then moved to Air Wisconsin where he developed his jet skills and his knowledge of trade unionism. Saylor eagerly offered to help with various projects and committees at both the local and pilot-group levels.

In time, Air Wisconsin pilot leaders elected Saylor the pilot group’s Master Executive Council secretary-treasurer. He managed finances and other administrative tasks while continuing to support and mentor many of Air Wisconsin’s other pilot volunteers. Saylor later transitioned to several different roles within the union, as part of an effort to better assist the pilot group and the profession.

Sadly, Saylor has been waging a courageous battle with cancer in recent years. He’s undergone numerous surgeries and multiple rounds of treatment; and while there was reason for optimism, he lost his battle with cancer on July 17, 2025, at age 51. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his years of service to our union and to our profession.

Saylor’s sense of commitment and his strong desire to get involved exemplify the accomplishments and traditions of ALPA, as well as the Association’s Code of Ethics, which guides all members. Those who flew with him know what an asset he was to ALPA through the friendships he made, the advice he offered, and the attention he gave. Many others will never meet him, and yet they may still benefit from his contributions and achievements.

While we can’t personally thank every ALPA pilot volunteer, highlighting Saylor for all that he achieved in his nearly 20 years as an active Association member is a good start. We offer condolences to his family during this difficult time, and we share Saylor’s experience in the hope that others in our ranks—those who’ve yet to get involved—will become aware of his efforts and consider what they have to offer.

Now more than ever, every ALPA pilot group is searching for additional volunteers—so please consider this your ask. Contact your rep to learn more about how you can help the union. When we all get involved, the sum of our efforts is multiplied. So be like Saylor; volunteer your time and continue to build ALPA’s legacy and advance your profession.