Widow of 9/11 Hero to Speak at The Salvation Army Luncheon

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, July 8, 2009 - On September 9, 2009, Deena L. Burnett Bailey, widow of citizen-hero Tom E. Burnett, who orchestrated the resistance against the terrorists aboard United Flight 93, will be the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army's Women's Auxiliary "God Bless America" luncheon at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn.

The telephone conversations that took place during the last minutes of the flight between Burnett Bailey and her husband are among the most well-known stories of that fateful day. Since that tragedy nearly eight years ago, Burnett Bailey has become one of the most public and respected voices for the victims of September 11 and their families. Burnett Bailey's courageous story goes hand-in-hand with The Salvation Army's traditions of leadership and service, making her a perfect fit as the keynote speaker for the timely "God Bless America" luncheon hosted by The Salvation Army's Women's Auxiliary.

Since September 11, Burnett Bailey has dedicated her life to sharing her story and has appeared on main television prime-time news and talk programs, including the Oprah Winfrey Show and many others. In addition to making media appearances, Burnett Bailey has appeared twice as a witness in the trials of Al Qaeda members in Europe, and is currently the lead plaintiff in an unprecedented lawsuit to bankrupt terrorist organizations. She also is responsible for the 2002 release of Flight 93's cockpit voice recorder, which captured details about the attack. Additionally, Burnett Bailey finds the time to serve on the boards of Twentieth Century Club, Girl Ambition, Families Against the Funding of Terrorism and many other civic organizations.

Burnett Bailey has remarried and currently lives in Little Rock, Arkansas with her husband, three daughters and stepson.

"Deena is a lady in the true sense," the President of The Salvation Army's Women's Auxiliary and personal friend, Carol Wolf said. "She is humble, well-grounded, open-hearted, very articulate and one of the best mothers I know."

As the president of The Tom Burnett Foundation, which was established to honor Tom's personal and professional life, Burnett Bailey communicates Tom's strong passion for educating youth about the importance of being a good citizen by traveling the country and speaking at universities and to community organizations.

She and her co-author, Anthony Giombetti, wrote Fighting Back: Living Life Beyond Ourselves to explain the qualities that made Tom and others aboard Flight 93 heroes. Drawing lessons from her own hardships, her book teaches that we can give up or we can fight back whenever life deals a rough hand, and we all possess the ability to transform into heroes by reacting positively to situations we face.

Burnett Bailey's strength, leadership and patriotism are undeniable, and The Salvation Army believes she is the ideal choice to be the keynote speaker at the "God Bless America" luncheon.

"Deena is a perfect fit for this luncheon, not only because of the timing and relevance of her story to our event, but because Deena herself possesses bravery and courage that teach and inspire us all," Wolf said. "She embodies qualities that The Salvation Army believes in, and her involvement in this year's luncheon will not only appeal to women, but men as well."

Following Burnett Bailey's remarks, the luncheon program will also include a September 11 eye-witness account by Jim Shepherd, formerly of the NYPD. Shepherd will describe The Salvation Army's compassionate response and assistance following the destruction of September 11.

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the programs and services at The Salvation Army. The fundraising event will begin with a silent auction from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and seating for the luncheon will commence promptly at noon. The program will conclude at 1:00 p.m. in order to accommodate guests who will be returning to places of work.

Individual tickets are $35, and tables for 10 are categorized by level of sponsorship: $350, $500 and $1,000. Guests who register before 10:30 a.m. are eligible for door prizes. All reservations should be sent to Arlene Southern, 5230 Cosgrove Cove, Memphis, TN, 38117 no later than August 28.

For more information on The Salvation Army's "God Bless America Luncheon," hosted by the Women's Auxiliary, please contact Elizabeth Duncan at: elizabeth_duncan@uss.salvationarmy.org

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Memphis began its work in the city on October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of The Salvation Army's work in Memphis is a common belief that all people can make positive changes. The Salvation Army believes in the healing power of compassion, love, dignity and respect, and use these principles to guide our actions and words.

The Salvation Army values the transforming power of God and the salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior. The Salvation Army believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the mind, body and spirit.

In 2008, The Salvation Army Memphis helped more than 20,700 people, provided more than 67,000 nights of lodging, and served 209,462 meals and snacks. For more information on our work, visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Emily Fletcher
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 238-7443

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260-9130