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“War fever ran high in the New England town to which we new, young officers from Plattsburg were assigned.”

Bill W., “Bill’s Story,” Alcoholics Anonymous

Our cofounder goes on to say that he grew lonely during his military service in World War I and turned to alcohol, ignoring the “strong warnings” of “my people concerning drink.”

To the many members of Alcoholics Anonymous who have served, or are currently serving, in the military, Bill’s words probably ring familiar. Indeed, Bill’s experiences are reflected in the many letters that Grapevine has received from servicemen and women, from as far back as 1944.

This book is a collection of 66 stories and letters, previously published in Grapevine, by military AA members. In the first chapter, early AA members recount their experiences staying sober or getting sober while serving in faraway places and under high stress situations. As you’ll read, Grapevine was often the sober lifeline that these members depended on. Starting with the years around World War II, something phenomenal happened. AA members took their programs with them as they moved around the world—into the air, across the land and under the sea, spreading the AA message and seeding groups wherever they went.

Chapters 2, 3 and 4 are divided by area of service: Air (Air Force); Land (Army, Marines and National Guard); and Sea (Navy and Coast Guard). Chapter 5 chronicles the stories of AAs getting or staying sober in remote places across the globe, often during wartime, where there was little, if any, contact with AA back home or even other AAs in the service. Chapter 6 consists of stories by servicewomen, who have served in many capacities, including in battle.

The final chapter, “Coming Home,” is devoted to AA members who are veterans. Their stories frequently recount struggles with the emotional and physical aftermath of war experiences when they returned home. Their stories can be wrenching, with touches of AA-style humor. Their desire to try to give the gift of sobriety that they received to other veterans like themselves is inspiring.

This carrying of the AA message by our members in the military to faraway locales continues today. Groups continue to start up in remarkable places and harrowing situations, whether during a civil war in Mogadishu, Somalia (see “Incoming!” in Chapter 7) or a border crossing between Syria and Israel (see “Staying Sober in the Sand” in Chapter 5).

We salute our members who have served or are serving in the military. They give real meaning to carrying our message, often under difficult circumstances, to sick and suffering alcoholics everywhere.