Beaver County flight attendant, 'Sully' retire
Doreen Welsh has traded her familiar seat in the back of the plane for a microphone and spotlight in front of crowded rooms.
Welsh, a flight attendant on the US Airways flight that landed in New York's Hudson River last year, retired from the only career she ever has known to become a motivational speaker.
"I went out with a splash," Welsh, 59, of Economy said Wednesday.
She hasn't worked as a flight attendant since Flight 1549 made the Jan. 15, 2009, emergency landing that became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson."
US Airways announced yesterday the retirement of Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who attained celebrity status after landing Flight 1549 on the river. All 150 passengers and five crew members aboard survived.
"I am extremely proud of Capt. Sullenberger and Doreen for their quick thinking and courageous actions," said US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug Parker.
Welsh suffered the most serious injuries -- a deep cut to her left leg. She underwent months of physical therapy; the swelling just subsided. At a one-year anniversary event, Welsh said several passengers told her they were getting tattoos to commemorate the flight.
"I told them I already had one," Welsh said of the large scar and indentation that remain on her leg.
She sees a therapist for mental scars, though now only occasionally. She still fears water.
Welsh remains uncomfortable on planes, but she flew numerous times since Flight 1549, including two weeks after the splashdown when she went to Super Bowl XLIII to watch her beloved Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals. The crew members were honored prior to the game.
"Flying is the safest mode of travel," said Welsh, who became a flight attendant for the former Allegheny Airlines, a forerunner to US Airways, in 1970. "But once you know something can happen, you're a little apprehensive."
Flight 1549 was Welsh's third flight of the day. It was scheduled to fly from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, but hit a flock of birds at 3,000 feet, knocking out both engines, investigators determined. Sullenberger told everyone on board to brace for impact.
Welsh said the rear of the plane where she was stationed hit first.
"It was violent," she recalled.
She scrambled to direct passengers toward the front and onto the wings, as frigid water began filling up the rear. She cut her left leg in the process.
As Welsh recovered, invitations poured in for her to speak at events -- from gatherings as small as an Ambridge Rotary Club dinner in front of 30 people, to a Wings of Mercy fundraiser in Minnesota that drew more than 200.
At the latter event, someone suggested she try motivational speaking. Welsh obtained an agent who is booking engagements.
"I was surprised how comfortable I was," Welsh said about public speaking.
Beyond the "Miracle" flight itself, Welsh said she talks about survival instincts that most people never need to use; the kindness of strangers who helped her; and the incredible opportunities she has had since.
"I tell (the story) differently than anyone else," Welsh said. "I admit that I was terrified -- I don't just say, 'Oh, I was just doing my job.' I don't really think that was part of my job. People appreciate that, and they wonder what they'd do if they were in the same situation."
