From Bootcamp to Cockpit: Lon W.’s 45 Years Sober

4th of JULY SPECIAL EPISODE

I was 17, just a kid—but I knew if I didn’t change, I would have ended up (unalive) like my older brother… or locked up like my younger one. AA saved my life—and it’s followed me across the world ever since.

What does 45 years of sobriety really look like? Meet Lon W.—a proud veteran, a commercial airline captain, and a man whose life was transformed by recovery at just 17 years old. Born in Marion, Iowa, Lon got sober in 1979 and never looked back. He’s flown helicopters in the Army, fighter jets in the Air Force, and commercial planes for the past 25 years—but no matter where life has taken him, “the hand of AA” has always been there.

In this powerful 4th of July episode, Lon shares how addiction shaped his family, with one brother lost to an overdose and another who spent years behind bars before finding sobriety. You’ll hear his stories from bootcamp at Fort Sill to recovery service in Japan. This isn’t just a sobriety narrative—it’s a tale of resilience, redemption, and living a life of purpose.

Whether you’re sober, seeking hope, or simply love a raw and inspiring transformation story, this one will stay with you long after the credits roll.

The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.