Heather Born: From 9/11 Survivor to Midshipman to Marine and Leader
Heather Born’s life is a remarkable testament to resilience, service and leadership. As a young child, Heather was present at the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks – an experience that shaped her family’s narrative and her own journey towards service. Today, Heather serves as a second lieutenant (2nd Lt.) in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where she continues her family’s legacy of service to country and community.
A Childhood Marked by Tragedy
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Heather was in the Pentagon daycare center (alongside her three-year-old sister, Hanna) when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. Her mother, Dana Born, a lieutenant colonel (Lt. Col.) in the U.S. Air Force and serving as a squadron commander at Bolling AFB just across the river from the Pentagon, was among the countless military personnel and civilians who experienced the chaos and heartbreak of that day. At just four months old, Heather was too young to grasp the events unfolding around her. However, the attack left an indelible mark on her family’s story. As she grew older and learned more about that tragic day, including the unsung heroes who rushed to evacuate her and 150 other children, she found inspiration in their selflessness, shaping her sense of purpose and motivation to pay it forward.
During interviews, Heather reflected on how her family’s experiences on 9/11 instilled within her a deep sense of duty and gratitude. The resilience demonstrated by her parents became a guiding example of how to navigate adversity and find strength in unity.
A Path Toward Service
Heather’s upbringing in a family steeped in military service profoundly influenced her decision to pursue a career in the armed forces. Inspired by her paternal grandfather’s service as a naval aviator in the South Pacific during WWII, and her mother’s and father’s combined 50 years of service as Air Force and Marine Corps officers respectively, Heather learned early on what service to our nation really means. During her most formative years (ages 1–12) she had the unique opportunity of growing up on a military base at the USAF Academy where her mother was the Dean of the Faculty. She participated in many patriotic events on base and was fortunate to have cadet mentors who shaped and inspired her to serve.
Both parents were graduates of two of this nation’s military academies with her father graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) and her mother from the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). Both fueled her desire to attend a service academy. While her older sister elected to follow in her mother’s footsteps to USAFA, Heather chose to follow in her father’s footsteps to USNA. Upon graduation with the Class of 2023, she was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the USMC. While at the Naval Academy, Heather had further ingrained within her those traits and values that constitute the foundation of serving in the military – character, commitment, duty, honor, integrity and service. As a midshipman, she excelled academically, militarily and physically while earning distinction as a member of the Superintendent’s List.
At the Naval Academy, Heather’s story resonated with her seniors, peers, subordinates and mentors alike. Her journey from being a survivor of one of the most defining tragedies in American history to serving as a future leader in the Marine Corps is a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. She has spoken about how her family’s experiences shaped her understanding of service, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who sacrificed so much for the nation.
Advocacy and Leadership
Heather Born has become a prominent voice in conversations about the enduring impact of 9/11 and the importance of unity and resilience. Her story has been featured in various national media outlets, including Fox News, CBS Sports, CNN’s The Lead and the History Channel. These platforms have highlighted her journey as a symbol of hope and inspiration for a new generation of leaders.
Heather’s reflections on 9/11 often center on the theme of “We Remember,” a call to honor the sacrifices of that day by embracing the values of service and unity. She has emphasized the importance of carrying forward the lessons of 9/11, not only in her own life but as a message to the nation. Her advocacy serves as a reminder that resilience is not just about enduring challenges but about using those experiences to inspire positive change.
A Legacy of Service
Heather’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in her family’s legacy. Her mother, Dana Born, was the first female Dean at the U.S. Air Force Academy as well as the first female graduate from any service academy to achieve the rank of General Officer – a true trailblazer for women in the military. Her father, Tim Born, served in the Marine Corps for 20 years, initially as an infantry officer before transitioning into the emerging field of computer technology, where he played an early role integrating automated capabilities across small operational units Marine Corps-wide. Heather’s older sister, Hanna, also embraces a life of service by becoming an Air Force helicopter pilot, embodying the values instilled in them from an early age. Together, the Born family exemplifies the enduring strength and dedication that define America’s military families.
For Heather, the phrase “Never Forget” is more than a reminder of the events of 9/11; it is a call to action. Her life’s work is dedicated to ensuring that the sacrifices of that day and the lessons learned continue to guide the nation towards unity and purpose. By choosing to serve, Heather honors both her family’s legacy and the countless heroes who have inspired her journey.
The Enduring Impact of Service
Heather Born’s story is a powerful narrative of resilience, leadership, and the enduring impact of service. From surviving the 9/11 attacks as a child to maturing as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy to commissioning as a Marine Corps officer, Heather exemplifies the values of courage, honor and commitment. Her journey serves as an inspiration for all who seek to honor the past by shaping a brighter future. In Heather, we see the embodiment of “We Remember” – a pledge to carry forward the lessons of 9/11 and ensure that the sacrifices of that day are never forgotten.
Cited sources
United States Naval Academy. From Pentagon Survivor to Midshipman. 2021. Available at: https://www.usna.edu/NewsCenter/2021/09/From_Pentagon_Survivor_to_Midshipman.php [Accessed 31 Jan. 2025].
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