LeRoy Homer Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
LeRoy Homer Jr.
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LeRoy Homer Jr. in 1984
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| Born |
LeRoy Wilton Homer Jr.
August 27, 1965 Plainview, New York, U.S.
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| Died | September 11, 2001 (aged 36) |
| Cause of death | Terrorist attack |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | First officer of United Airlines Flight 93 |
| Spouse(s) |
Melodie Homer
(m. 1998) |
| Children | Laurel Homer |
LeRoy Wilton Homer Jr. (born August 27, 1965 – died September 11, 2001) was a brave pilot. He was the First Officer on United Airlines Flight 93. This plane was hijacked during the September 11 attacks in 2001. Sadly, the plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Everyone on board, including LeRoy, passed away.
Contents
Early Life and Dream of Flying
LeRoy Homer Jr. grew up on Long Island in New York. His mother was from West Germany, and his father was an American soldier. From a young age, LeRoy dreamed of flying airplanes.
As a child, he loved building model airplanes. He also collected things related to aviation and read many books about flying. When he was 15, he started taking flying lessons in a Cessna 152 plane. He worked part-time jobs after school to pay for these lessons. At 16, he flew a plane by himself for the first time. He earned his private pilot's license in 1983.
LeRoy went to Ss. Cyril and Methodius School and later to St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School. He graduated from high school in 1983.
Military Career
In 1987, LeRoy joined the United States Air Force Academy. He graduated on May 27, 1987. He then became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
After finishing his pilot training in 1988, he was sent to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. There, he flew a large transport plane called a Lockheed C-141 Starlifter. During his time in the Air Force, he served in the Gulf War. He also helped with operations in Somalia. LeRoy received many awards and medals for his service. In 1993, he was named the "Aircrew Instructor of the Year" for the Twenty-First Air Force. He became a captain before leaving active duty in 1995.
LeRoy continued his military service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He first worked as a C-141 instructor pilot. Later, he became an Academy Liaison Officer. In this role, he helped recruit new people for the Air Force Academy. He reached the rank of major in the Air Force Reserve.
Civilian Flying Career and Family Life
In May 1995, LeRoy started working for United Airlines. His first job was as a Second Officer on the Boeing 727. In 1996, he became a First Officer on the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 planes. He continued in this role until September 11, 2001.
LeRoy married his wife, Melodie, on May 24, 1998. Their daughter, Laurel, was born in November 2000. They lived together in Marlton, New Jersey.
The September 11 Attacks
On September 11, 2001, LeRoy Homer was the First Officer on United Airlines Flight 93. He was flying with Captain Jason M. Dahl. The flight was going from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco. However, four terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked the plane. This was part of the larger September 11 attacks.
LeRoy and Captain Dahl tried to fight back against the hijackers. Their struggle was heard by air traffic control. After learning that other hijacked planes had crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the crew and passengers on Flight 93 decided to act. They tried to stop the hijackers and take back control of the plane.
Because the passengers and crew fought back, the hijackers knew they would not reach their target, which was the U.S. Capitol building. Instead, they crashed the plane into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This brave act saved many lives on the ground.
Legacy and Memorials
After his death, LeRoy Homer received many honors. He was given honorary membership in the historic Tuskegee Airmen. He also received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Drum Major for Justice Award.
LeRoy was survived by his wife, Melodie, and his daughter, Laurel. His mother, seven sisters, and brother also survived him. His wife, Melodie Homer, created the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation. This foundation gives scholarships to students interested in aviation.
At the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City, LeRoy Homer Jr. is remembered. His name is on Panel S-67 of the South Pool. This is where other crew and passengers from Flight 93 are also honored.
Images for kids
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LeRoy Homer's name is on Panel S-67 of the National September 11 Memorial's South Pool. It is listed with the names of other passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93.
See also
In Spanish: LeRoy Homer, Jr. para niños
