Capt. Len Kaine (US Airways/PSA, Ret.) is anxiously waiting for October 10, the day he learns if he will receive the coveted Nobel Peace Prize. The 78-year-old, who was previously nominated in 2003, has dedicated the majority of his life to philanthropic pursuits through the Golden Rule Society, which he founded in 1972.
“Mr. Kaine has selflessly dedicated his time and his efforts as a nonpaid volunteer for more than 42 years in the pursuit of two life goals: world peace and improving the lives and the opportunities of people the world over,” said Congressman Scott Peters (D-Calif.), in his Jan. 30, 2014, nomination letter for the esteemed aviator. “In over four decades of hard work and total devotion to these goals, he has built an international outreach program espousing the simple yet elegant philosophy that bettering the lives of others is life’s greatest pursuit.”
A decorated Navy fighter pilot who completed more than 100 combat missions during the Vietnam War, Kaine returned to the states deeply moved by the tragedy and devastation he witnessed. He accepted a flying job with Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA), but felt that he needed to do something more with his life. Soon after, Kaine developed a simple fundraising idea inspired by two electric shavers he received as gifts one Christmas. During a flight, he made a unique announcement to his passengers.
“Here I am on the airplane. I said, ‘Folks, I’ve got two electric shavers; I only need one,” Kaine recalls. “I will swap this electric shaver with somebody in the back for something of greater value.” He explained that this offer would help raise money for the families of prisoners of war and those missing in action. The passengers responded favorably, and Kaine expanded this trading system, providing other items on other flights. In time, he raffled off the many items he collected. “It was a bit of a lark,” he says, but his plan was a success, raising more than $22,000.
The Golden Rule
“I decided to get help to form the Golden Rule Society as a charitable, nonprofit corporation. With that kind of money and prizes, people were bound to ask where it was going,” he says. Kaine established a network of volunteers to manage everything from accounting to the necessary reporting for governmental agencies.
According to the Golden Rule Society’s website, the organization offers a number of beneficial educational, motivational, and character-building programs to all children, but with special affinity for children of military service members, firefighters, and law enforcement personnel and all who protect and serve. Over four decades, Golden Rule has reached out to kids in countries overseas and worked with local, national, and international charities, providing fund-raising guidance and support. Kaine still serves as the nonprofit’s president.
Man of action
Kaine’s success should come as no surprise. He received numerous commendations during his time flying as a Navy pilot, including two distinguished flying crosses and seven air medals. In 1986, US Air purchased PSA, and two years later Kaine retired as a B-757/767 captain. He continued his charitable work and, in 2006, won the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service. Just four years ago, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs honored him with its Veteran of the Year award for his altruistic efforts.
Despite his accomplishments, the celebrated pilot faces a tough field of Nobel Peace Prize contenders this year with a total of 278 nominations submitted—the most the Norwegian Nobel Committee has ever received. And competing with Kaine are the likes of Pope Francis and the International Space Station Partnership (organizations can be nominated, too).
The Committee will choose a Nobel Laureate in October, and the winner will travel to Oslo, Norway, to be honored December 10.
By all accounts, Kaine is a worthy challenger. The former aviator has spent a lifetime making the most of his opportunities. More importantly, the nomination is an honor in itself; one more thank-you from a grateful nation to a man who has and continues to work to better the lives of others.
Visit www.goldenrulesociety.org to learn more about Capt. Len Kaine and the Golden Rule Society.
This story first appeared in the July issue of the “Airline Pilots Association” (ALPA) magazine.
By John Perkinson, Staff Writer
