[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E855-E856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING LeROY HOMER, CO-PILOT OF UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT 93

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2006

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize 
the life and legacy of an African-American pilot and hero, LeRoy W. 
Homer, Jr., the First Officer of United Airlines Flight 93, which 
crashed into a reclaimed coal-mining area near Stonycreek and 
Shanksville on September 11, 2001.
  At an early age, LeRoy W. Homer, Jr. knew that he wanted to be a 
pilot. As a child, LeRoy assembled model airplanes, collected aviation 
memorabilia and read books on aviation. LeRoy was 15 years old when he 
started flight instruction in Cessna 152. Working part-time jobs after 
school to pay for flying lessons, he completed his first solo at 16 
years old, and obtained his private pilot's certificate in 1983.
  In the fall of 1983, LeRoy entered the Air Force Academy, and 
graduated with the Class of 1987, 31st Squadron. After completing pilot 
training in 1988, he was assigned to McGuire AFB in New Jersey, flying 
the C-141B Starlifter. While on active duty, LeRoy served in Desert 
Shield and Desert Storm, and later supported operations in Somalia. He 
received many commendations, awards and medals during his military 
career. In 1993, he was named the 21st Air Force Aircrew Instructor of 
the Year. LeRoy achieved the rank of Captain before his honorable 
discharge from active duty in 1995.
  LeRoy continued his military career as a reservist, initially as an 
instructor pilot with the 356th Airlift Squadron at Wright Patterson 
AFB, Ohio, then subsequently as an Academy Liaison Officer, recruiting 
potential candidates for both the Air Force Academy and the Air Force 
Reserve Officer Training Corps. During his time with the Reserves, he 
achieved rank of Major.
  LeRoy continued his flying career by joining United Airlines in May 
1995. His first assignment was Second Officer on the B727. He then 
upgraded to First Officer on the B757/767 in 1996, where he remained 
until September 11, 2001.

[[Page E856]]

  On September 11, 2001, LeRoy was flying with Captain Jason Dahl on 
United Flight 93. Based on information from several sources that day, 
we know LeRoy and Jason were the first to fight against the terrorist 
threat to the airplane.
  LeRoy was able to accomplish much in his short life. He was able to 
do so because of the support of his family and friends, and the 
encouragement of his teachers and mentors. For his actions on board 
Flight 93, Homer received many awards and citations posthumously, 
including honorary membership in the historic Tuskegee Airmen, the 
Congress of Racial Equality's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, the 
Southern Christian Leadership Conference Drum Major for Justice Award, 
and the Westchester County Trailblazer Award.
  Above all of the accolades and awards, it is because of Homer's 
sacrifice that I pay tribute. I take great pride in recognizing Mr. 
LeRoy W. Homer, Jr., an African-American hero.

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