In this special episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Boilermaker and former D.C. Air National Guard fighter pilot Heather Penney.  

Listen as Heather (BA English ’95, MA American studies ’97) shares her incredible 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. 

Heather 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. 

Goosebumps. That's what you can expect from our episode featuring this brave and relentless Boilermaker.