--- title: Inspirational Heroes description: Inspirational Heroes --- [1-858-228-3771](tel:1-858-228-3771) [![SpeakInc](https://blog.speakinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/speakinc-logo.png?width=197&height=48&name=speakinc-logo.png "SpeakInc")](http://speakinc.com/) - [Speakers](http://speakinc.com/speaker) - [Individual Speakers](http://speakinc.com/speaker) - [Speaker News](http://speakinc.com/speaker-news/) - [About](http://speakinc.com/about) - [Our Team](http://speakinc.com/our-team) - [Careers](http://speakinc.com/about/careers) - [Blog](https://blog.speakinc.com/our-blog) - [FAQ](http://speakinc.com/faq) - [Contact Us](http://speakinc.com/contact-us) - [Request Consultation](http://speakinc.com/contact/request-consultation) - [Become a SpeakInc Speaker](http://speakinc.com/contact-us/become-a-speakinc-speaker/) # SpeakInc Blog # Inspirational Heroes by [Chris](https://blog.speakinc.com/author/chris) | February 14, 2009 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Although the amazing photograph of the survivors standing on the wings of the U.S. Airways #1549 jet was taken last month, this miracle is still etched in our minds and in our hearts. When United Airlines flight #232 lost its hydraulic flight controls on July 19, 1989, [Captain Denny Fitch](http://www.speakinc.com/keynote-speakers/dennis-fitch/index.html) was sitting in a passenger seat in the cabin of the plane. Moments later he was in the cockpit, volunteering his services. A DC-10 pilot and trainer, Captain Fitch was instrumental in the crew’s success at saving nearly 200 lives that day. Back in 1966, [Captain Gerald Coffee](http://www.speakinc.com/keynote-speakers/gerald-coffee/index.html) while flying combat missions over North Vietnam was downed by enemy fire.  He parachuted safely but was captured immediately. For the next seven years he was held as a POW in the Communist prisons of North Vietnam. To learn more about these heroes and others like them, check out [speakinc.com](http://www.speakinc.com) or call 800-677-3324. Topics: [Blog](https://blog.speakinc.com/topic/blog) ### Written by [Chris](https://blog.speakinc.com/author/chris) [![Need more information? Let our experts take the guesswork out of planning this key element of your next meeting and find the right keynote speaker for your event.  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/421388/interactive-209241923181.png)](https://blog.speakinc.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLhunF%2BYOA9SG%2BeTbazfnOUbvJnOsL4KQO3YtlLX34j54iVBXi2tcjB4rZzzC5r8ZnrtL0COX6mO2TErQAYNSFosbT0enwKxnsv4hEmi21uAu0yKlvQsbfMD1Ik604%2BHDOuwnaqAYOGc7eZtl0qI1GHrrpLwqX%2F0wS8D8UHNJvy6mPkiIt7rYANdd4T2nAA1kqrcaENA9Is&webInteractiveContentId=209241923181&portalId=421388) Name/Category Search ### **Don't Miss Out!** Get monthly email notifications of our latest articles that include: - Keynote Speaker Highlights - Conference & Event Planning Tips - Free Resources - Industry News [1-858-228-3771](tel:1-858-228-3771) **SpeakInc.** 10680 Treena Street, Suite 230 San Diego, CA 92131 - [Home](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/) - [Privacy Policy](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms & Conditions](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/terms-conditions/) - [Live Chat](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/creating-complete-well-done-conference-website/#live-chat) - - - - ### Sign Up for Industry News Disclaimer: Speak Inc. Speakers Bureau is not responsible for errors, omissions or outdated information on this website. The material presented on this site is provided by the speakers who are accountable for any copyright information including licensing fees if required. Speak Inc. Speakers Bureau has permission to post the biographies, topics, photos and videos with the understanding from the speakers that the information presented is legally owned by them. © 2026 SpeakInc. All rights reserved.