MARLTON, N.J., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation
is currently accepting applications for their aviation scholarship. Three
scholarships will be awarded next spring in memory of LeRoy Homer. LeRoy was
the First Officer on United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Shanksville,
PA, on September 11, 2001.
"LeRoy had a passion for flying," says Cheryl Homer Wilson, Executive
Director of The Foundation and LeRoy's sister. "We wanted to keep his dream
of flight alive, so we established this Foundation."
The Foundation is honoring LeRoy's love of flying by encouraging young men
and women with an interest in aviation. The scholarships will financially
assist recipients to pursue professional flight instruction leading to
certification as private pilots.
Applications are available on the Foundation's web sight,
http://www.leroywhomerjr.org, or by contacting The Foundation at (800) 388-1647.
Young men and women, ages 16 to 23, may apply for the scholarships until
February 28, 2003. The Foundation will award up to three scholarships by
April 30, 2003.
Instruction will be completed at an approved local Cessna Pilot Training
Center. The scholarship recipient must successfully complete all required
ground school training including the FAA written exam prior to commencing any
flight training. After completion of the ground school phase, the recipient
will begin actual flight training, culminating in certification as a private
pilot. All fees and expenses associated with the private pilot course
instruction will be paid by The Foundation.
LeRoy dreamed of flying at a young age. As a child, he assembled model
airplanes and collected aviation memorabilia. His passion for flying took off
at 15 when he started flight instruction on a Cessna 152. He completed his
first solo flight by age 16, and later obtained his private pilot's
certification.
LeRoy graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1987. As an Air Force
Captain, LeRoy flew the C-141 Starlifter for McGuire AFB in New Jersey. While
on active duty, he served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm and later
supported operations in Somalia. He was honorably discharged from the Air
Force in 1995, and continued his military career as a reservist. During his
time with the Reserves, he achieved the rank of Major.
LeRoy was a First Officer for United Airlines flying the Boeing 757 and
767 out of New York. On September 11, 2001, LeRoy was flying with Captain
Jason Dahl on Flight 93. Based on information from several sources that day,
LeRoy and Jason were the first to fight against the terrorist threat to the
airplane. LeRoy left behind his wife, Melodie and baby daughter, Laurel.
"LeRoy was very modest about his accomplishments," says Melodie Homer,
President of The Foundation and LeRoy's wife. "However, he would be proud to
know he will continue to inspire others. LeRoy is no longer with us, however
his legacy lives on through the efforts of The LeRoy W. Homer, Jr.
Foundation."
For more information or an application contact Cheryl Homer Wilson,
Executive Director LeRoy W. Homer, Jr. Foundation at (800) 388-1647 or
Heather Thorpe, Media Relations at (404) 306-0844.
SOURCE The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation
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Related links:
http://www.leroywhomerjr.org
CONTACT:
Cheryl Homer Wilson, Executive Director of
The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation, +1-800-388-1647; or Heather
Thorpe, Media Relations of The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation,
+1-404-306-0844, heathat@bellsouth.net
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