Release #: 21.53
August 27, 2021

ALPA Contributes $200,000 to Organizations Honoring 9/11 Pilots

McLEAN, Va.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today announced contributions totaling $200,000 to four non-profit organizations that honor the legacy of the four ALPA pilots who were among those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Capt. Jason Dahl and F/O LeRoy Homer, Jr., were piloting United Flight 93 and Capt. Victor Saracini, and F/O Michael Horrocks were piloting United Flight 175.

“As we commemorate 20 years since the tragic 9/11 attacks, it is important that we continue to honor our fallen heroes by ensuring that their contributions to our profession are never forgotten. These donations will help support young adults who dream of becoming a professional pilot by breaking down some of the financial barriers that stand in the way for far too many people,” said Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA president.

ALPA contributed $50,000 each for scholarships provided by the Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund, the LeRoy W. Homer, Jr. Foundation, and the West Chester University Foundation (honoring Michael Horrocks). A contribution of $50,000 was also made to the 9-11 Memorial Garden of Reflection (honoring Victor Saracini).

“ALPA is dedicated to attracting the best and the brightest to join the ranks of today’s professional airline pilots and continues to advocate for all those who dream of flying—because that’s what we need to do if we want to guarantee a continued strong, robust, and highly trained pilot workforce while also maintaining the safest air transportation system in the world,” added DePete. “For nearly 20 years, ALPA pilots have helped make certain that our industry is safer and more secure than it was in 2001. That commitment to safety, coupled with these contributions, is the greatest tribute we can pay to our fallen friends and colleagues.”

Every day, ALPA honors the memory and dedication of the lives lost on that fateful day with every safe landing and our unrelenting efforts to keep the skies safe and secure. Read more on how previous scholarship recipients honor fallen pilots by carrying on their flying legacy.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 60,000 pilots at 36 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org