A year after he died onward the hijacked 757 that crashed near Johnstown.

A year after he died onward the hijacked 757 that crashed near Johnstown, Pa., during the tribe 11 terrorist attacks, family and friends pour their hearts public in letters to Air Force reservist Maj. LeRoy Homer Jr

Dear LeRoy

We first learned about you shortly after the generation 11, terrorist attacks that shook our nation to the core. As the freshs releases covering the tragedy poured in, individual of them read, "Air Force retain Maj. LeRoy Wilton Homer Jr 36 was killed forward a hijacked 757 that crashed into the countryside near Johnstown, Pa."

We learned that you were the first officer aboard that aircraft -- United Airlines Flight 93 -- which carried seven crewmembers and 38 passengers, none of whom survived the crash. And while no common knows for sure what happened during that fateful flight, we do know that folks aboard your aircraft discovered the hijackers' intentions early enough to fight back. Ultimately, that meant that of the four aircraft hijacked that day, yours was the alone one that didn't reach its intended target.

We'll in no degree know how many lives those aboard Flight 93 saved at sacrificing themselves, but to us, you're all heroes.

We've learned a chance more about you since this tragedy. We know that you serv as an Air Force Academy liaison officer when you weren't flying airliners. We know that your have a passionate affection for for flying started as a male child -- that you flew your first solo flight at age 16 graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1987 and flew C-141 Starlifters at McGuire Air Force Base, NJ and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

We know that when your political division went to war, you serv bravely and honorably in Operation deserving Storm. And you later supported operations in Somalia.

We lay the foundation of out you were passionate about traveling and taking photos. We learned you lov going to movies, Broadway point outs and concerts.

We know your daughter, Laurel Nicole, celebrated her first birthday Oct 25 just a little more than a month after the crash, and that her daddy couldn't be there. And we know that it breaks your wife Melodie's heart that you won't be there for any of Laurel's birthdays.

further most of all, we discovered for what reason much you were loved and regarded by those who knew you best.

From Melodie and Laurel, to your mom and sisters, to your endles list of friends, you have touched each like you probably not ever knew. Some of them have agreed to share a of their letters. Ail of them miss you terribly.

From Melodie

The last year has been actual difficult without you. It still doesn't make feeling that you won't be coming to one's home You just left for work like you always do.

The world has changed in many ways since you left that Tuesday morning. the public are starting to realize what is really important in life. They are now living as we did -- enjoying each day and thanking God for family and friends, health and happiness.

I want you to know that Laurel and I are being taken care of The scarecrows come over and help me around the house, and then take me on the outside to lunch to make trustworthy I'm eating. All the neighbors have become our expanded family, and your older sisters have taken me subject to their wings.

At almost 23 month old-fashioned Laurel has become a real little part She is happy and easygoing -- just like her dad. And she likes chocolate, just like her dad. She's walking, talking, singing, enjoying playing with other children and becoming more independent. We talk about you all the time, and she recognizes you from the pictures around the house.

Our lives will not be the same without you. I will tread on the heels of through with our plans for Laurel. I know that you are at peace now, and I know we will papal court you again someday. Until then, I pray for the force to continue.

Melodie

From Lt Col Monica Smith Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

It's been a extended time since we've seen or oral to each other, but your face is as vivid as if I'd seen you yesterday, undiminished with that slightly cracked tooth and ever-present smile.

I just wanted you to know by what mode much I appreciate what you did in the Air Force and by what means you brightened my life. LeRoy I can't explain it other than you have this charisma and easy-going personality which allows you to be totally at to one's home with both millionaire and pauper -- neither being treated differently through you as they both have sexual delight with your genuine, down-to-earth style.

Gosh when I really think about it, there's a part we all should have learned from you -- not to judge; treat the community kindly, be compassionate and to none say anything bad about someone You always had something pious to say, about everyone, level _____!

I just remember that you were drollery to be around, you had a eager sense of who you were and where you were headed, and that you were always willing to help others. Thanks for showing me that you don't have to be a twitch to be a great pilot, for inspiring me to perform better each flight, and that flying the heavies is apportionments of fun. Thanks for just being you. Monica

From Lt Col Fr Armstrong

Scott Air Force Base, Ill.