A little-known chapter of 9/11 unfolded as members of the Washington, D.C. Air National Guard stood ready to intercept hijacked planes, potentially risking their lives in a desperate last stand. Among them was a pilot whose training and resolve would have tested the limits of duty and courage. The story of one airman’s preparedness to face an unimaginable mission sheds light on the broader, often overlooked efforts of military personnel that day. Their readiness came before the world learned of the passengers’ heroic actions on Flight 93.
On 9/11, the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 stormed the cockpit, forcing the hijacked jet to crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. But before the world knew of their bravery, members of Washington, D.C.'s Air National Guard were prepared to make their own sacrifice. Nick Schifrin brings us the story of pilot Heather "Lucky" Penney.
