Fighter pilot Heather Penney on Purdue journey and 9/11 mission

Media are encouraged to share, post and publish this content.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —

A special episode of the podcast “This Is Purdue” features Purdue alumna and former D.C. Air National Guard fighter pilot Heather Penney, who shares her story from 9/11, when she was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice with her flight lead, Marc Sasseville.

She reflects on the events of that historic day, from being selected to complete the mission to stop the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 to being grounded after hours of time in the air to how she feels about that day now, more than 20 years later.

Penney also expresses her gratitude for her time at Purdue, where her passion for flying blossomed further, and shares more about her experience training to become one of the nation’s first female fighter pilots.

Visit The Persistent Pursuit website to read more or to view or listen to the podcast.

Media contact: Amy Patterson Neubert, apatterson@purdue.edu

More Purdue News

The Edgar Degas sculpture La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans (Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen).

Purdue’s Degas collection will find new life across campuses

September 29, 2026

Rachelle Swan, Haley Oliver-Jischke, Isabella Bramatti, David Rollock and Melissa Franks talking at a National Postdoc Appreciation Week event.

Purdue shines a light on postdoctoral scholars and their efforts, impact: ‘Their work matters’

September 29, 2026

A satellite image of a beach with a planelike object in the water just off the coast.

1 week out: Countdown to the search for Amelia Earhart’s plane begins

September 28, 2026

Daniels to join conversation at Ford’s Theatre on lessons from 9/11

September 25, 2026