Cover Story: 9/11 Movie Release Supported by Military, Veterans and their Families—Survey

U.S. military and Veterans overwhelmingly support the timing of the world premiere of "United 93," the first 9/11 movie of its kind, according to Veterans Advantage, the leading nationwide membership benefit program U.S. Active Duty military, Veterans, National Guard and Reserve and their families.

In a survey just conducted over the last week, Veterans Advantage members across the nation approve of the movie’s release, because "We need to face history and our enemies – it is not too soon."

"By an 83% to 17% majority, our members feel "we need to face history and our enemies – the time is right to be reminded," said H. Scott Higgins, founder and president of Veterans Advantage, a former Army Lieutenant who served in Vietnam.

"We’ve even heard from many of those in harm’s way today because of that fateful day, and they tell us they understand those reasons, and hope that fellow Americans understand them, too."

The military lost one of its own on that 9/11 flight when Co-pilot LeRoy W. Homer, an Air Force Academy graduate who served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, perished with the other passengers of the flight.

In follow-up comments, Veterans Advantage members elaborated on the military’s role in a post-9/11 world:

"We Americans have very short memories. If we didn’t lose a family member or very close friend during the events of 9/11, or we’re not part of the military fighting the Global War on Terror, most of us have already forgotten the tragic loss of that day. This film is not being released too soon. To keep us on our toes, we need periodic reminders that some cultures want to destroy ours," LTC Chip Braungart, a Veterans Advantage member, who is on active duty with the Washington D.C. Army National Guard.

"I feel that too many people in this country have already forgotten about 9/11. I think that it is a part of our history that we as a country should never forget, because it was a turning point in our nation’s history." said Blake Paul Sattler, a Veterans Advantage member currently serving in the Navy. "As a service member in the armed forces, I am reminded every day that there are people in this world who want to kill us and that is something that no one should ever forget."

"United 93," which premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 25, was produced by Universal Studios. Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday, The Bourne Supremacy) writes and directs the story of the passengers and crew of United 93, which took off from Newark Liberty International Airport on the morning of 9/11/2001, bound for San Francisco, and crashed in rural Pennsylvania, northwest of Washington, D.C.

The Voice of Veterans Advantage
Veterans Advantage was established in 2001 as a program to thank and reward active duty, veterans, Guard and Reserve with special offers and discounts on goods and services from companies that wish to thank them for their service. With more than 100,000 participants, Veterans Advantage has been able to craft a growing set of benefits for its members, ranging from insurance, health, travel & entertainment, home/office and computing discounts from leading national and global corporate partners, including Dell & Apple Computer, Amtrak, United Airlines, Greyhound Bus, and over 30 others.

"Today’s findings is just one way our members can have their voice heard," Higgins added. "And we are proud to offer that service."

About LeRoy W. Homer Jr., who Died on Flight 93

In the fall of 1983, LeRoy W. Homer entered the Air Force Academy, and graduated with the Class of 1987, 31st Squadron. After completing pilot training in 1988, he was assigned to McGuire AFB in New Jersey, flying the C-141B Starlifter. While on active duty, LeRoy served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and later supported operations in Somalia. He received many commendations, awards and medals during his military career. In 1993, he was named the 21st Air Force Aircrew Instructor of the Year. LeRoy achieved the rank of Captain before his honorable discharge from active duty in 1995.