Capt. Victor Saracini, First Officer Michael Horrocks, First Officer LeRoy Homer, and Capt. Jason Dahl; Four ALPA members lost on September 11, 2001; Four extraordinary men still making a powerful impact on the lives of countless others.
Capt. Victor Saracini: Known for his love of Forrest Gump, music, and learning, Saracini was always on the lookout for a mentor. “He always enjoyed being mentored by someone he felt was really a good person,” his wife, Ellen, said.
Capt. Victor Saracini’s legacy lives on through the Garden of Reflection project, a memorial park in Bucks County, Pa. led by Ellen Saracini. Visit www.9-11memorialgarden.org.
First Officer Michael Horrocks: Described by colleagues as a competent and charismatic leader, Horrocks was a husband and a father of two children whom he adored. He often volunteered at his children’s elementary school in Media, Pa. Horrock’s brother, Bill, in his memorial service eulogy, said: “He had a genuine appreciation for the small things in life… His children were his pride and joy.”
Horrocks’ family chose to renovate the school playground as a memorial to him.
First Officer LeRoy W. Homer Jr.: A loving father and husband, Homer is remembered for his kindness and the joy he found in his everyday life. His wife, Melodie Homer, said, “LeRoy loved to fly. He was one of those kids who always knew what he wanted to be when he grew up.”
The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. foundation encourages and supports young adults who wish to pursue careers as professional pilots, as well as promotes awareness about aviation careers to disadvantaged youth. www.leroywhomerjr.org.
Captain Jason Dahl: Dahl is described as a devoted father, a loving husband, a selfless friend, and a hard worker. Dahl’s wife, Sandy, said he, “got so much joy out of surprising people and doing special things, especially for his family.” On the day before his final flight, Dahl planted 300 daffodils in the yard. The flowers bloomed as a surprise for Sandy in March, six months after he died.
The Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund was established to help aspiring aviators achieve their educational and career goals. www.dahlfund.org