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

March 7, 2023 Purdue News

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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