35 Facts About Tom Burnett

Source: Mprnews.org

Tom Burnett was a hero whose actions on September 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on history. Who was Tom Burnett? He was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93, one of the four planes hijacked during the 9/11 attacks. Burnett, along with other passengers, courageously attempted to regain control of the aircraft from the terrorists, preventing it from reaching its intended target. This act of bravery saved countless lives. Beyond that fateful day, Burnett was a loving husband, father, and successful business executive. His story is one of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Let's delve into 35 intriguing facts about Tom Burnett, shedding light on his life, legacy, and the heroism that defines him.

Key Takeaways:

Tom Burnett was a brave and selfless hero who led the charge against terrorists on 9/11, preventing a tragedy and inspiring the "Let's Roll" campaign.
His legacy lives on through memorials, scholarships, and educational initiatives, impacting society and promoting courage and resilience.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Tom Burnett's early years shaped his future. Here are some fascinating details about his beginnings.

Born on May 29, 1963, in Bloomington, Minnesota, Tom Burnett grew up in a close-knit family.
Attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where he excelled in academics and sports, particularly football.
Graduated in 1981 and was known for his leadership qualities, earning him the title of class president.
Studied at the University of Minnesota, majoring in economics and graduating with honors.
Completed an MBA at Pepperdine University, further honing his business acumen.

Career Achievements

Tom Burnett's professional journey was marked by significant accomplishments. His career spanned various industries and roles.

Started his career at Thoratec Corporation, a medical device company, where he quickly rose through the ranks.
Became Vice President of Sales and Marketing, demonstrating his knack for leadership and strategic thinking.
Worked at Heart Technology, contributing to the development of innovative medical devices.
Joined Guidant Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in the company's growth and success.
Recognized for his contributions to the medical field, earning several industry awards and accolades.

Personal Life

Beyond his professional life, Tom Burnett was a devoted family man and active community member.

Married Deena Burnett, and together they had three daughters: Halley, Madison, and Anna Clare.
Known for his strong family values, often prioritizing family time despite his busy career.
Active in his local church, participating in various community service activities.
Passionate about coaching youth sports, particularly football, sharing his love for the game with young athletes.
Enjoyed outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing, often spending weekends in nature with his family.

Heroic Actions on 9/11

Tom Burnett's bravery on September 11, 2001, remains a testament to his character and courage.

Was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked by terrorists.
Called his wife, Deena, from the plane, informing her of the situation and discussing their options.
Coordinated with other passengers, including Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, and Jeremy Glick, to devise a plan to retake the plane.
Led the charge against the hijackers, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and selflessness.
Prevented the plane from reaching its intended target, likely saving countless lives on the ground.

Legacy and Memorials

Tom Burnett's legacy lives on through various memorials and tributes honoring his heroism.

Posthumously awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, recognizing his bravery on 9/11.
Honored with a memorial at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, where the plane crashed.
The Tom Burnett Family Foundation was established to support educational and charitable initiatives.
A scholarship in his name is awarded annually to students at Thomas Jefferson High School.
His story is featured in numerous books and documentaries, ensuring his heroism is remembered.

Impact on Society

Tom Burnett's actions and legacy continue to inspire and impact society in various ways.

Inspired the creation of the "Let's Roll" campaign, promoting courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
His story is taught in schools, serving as a powerful example of bravery and selflessness.
Encouraged increased security measures on flights, contributing to the safety of future air travel.
His family continues to advocate for 9/11 victims and their families, ensuring their stories are not forgotten.
Influenced the creation of the 9/11 Commission, which investigated the attacks and recommended changes to prevent future tragedies.

Personal Reflections

Those who knew Tom Burnett remember him fondly and share personal anecdotes that highlight his character.

Friends describe him as a natural leader, always willing to lend a helping hand.
Colleagues recall his dedication and work ethic, often going above and beyond in his professional roles.
Family members cherish memories of his sense of humor, often lightening the mood with a well-timed joke.
His daughters remember him as a loving and supportive father, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
Community members honor his commitment to service, noting his involvement in various charitable activities.

Tom Burnett: A Legacy of Courage

Tom Burnett's story is one of bravery, determination, and sacrifice. As a passenger on United Flight 93 during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, he played a crucial role in thwarting the hijackers' plans. His actions, along with those of his fellow passengers, saved countless lives by preventing the plane from reaching its intended target.

Burnett's legacy extends beyond that fateful day. His life exemplified leadership, compassion, and a commitment to family and community. From his successful career to his dedication as a father and husband, Tom Burnett's impact continues to inspire.

Remembering his heroism reminds us of the strength and resilience that can emerge in the face of adversity. Tom Burnett's story serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make, leaving an indelible mark on history and in our hearts.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWho was Tom Burnett?

Tom Burnett was one of the brave passengers on United Flight 93, which was hijacked during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He played a key role in the effort to regain control of the plane from the hijackers.

QWhat did Tom Burnett do on United Flight 93?

On that fateful day, Tom made several phone calls to his wife, Deena, informing her of the hijacking and expressing his determination to take action. He, along with other passengers, formulated a plan to confront the hijackers, ultimately preventing the aircraft from reaching its intended target, believed to be in Washington, D.C.

QHow is Tom Burnett remembered today?

Tom's heroism is commemorated in various ways, including scholarships in his name and a memorial park in his hometown. His actions on September 11 have left a lasting legacy of courage and selflessness.

QDid Tom Burnett have any military or security training?

While Tom didn't have formal military or security training, his leadership qualities and determination were evident in his actions and the way he encouraged fellow passengers to band together during the crisis on Flight 93.

QHow can people learn more about Tom Burnett and Flight 93?

For those interested in learning more, visiting the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania is a great way to start. Additionally, numerous documentaries and articles have been produced, detailing the events of that day and the stories of the passengers, including Tom.

QWhat impact did Tom Burnett's actions have on the outcome of Flight 93?

Tom's actions, along with those of other passengers, played a crucial role in thwarting the hijackers' plans. Their collective bravery likely saved countless lives by preventing the aircraft from reaching its intended target.

QHow did Tom Burnett's family react to his heroism?

Tom's family has expressed immense pride in his bravery and actions. They've been active in preserving his memory and sharing his story, ensuring that his heroism is not forgotten and continues to inspire others.

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