Hi.... it's me... and I'm (we're) ok. Really. Sorry for the delay in replying. I'm still a bit shaken like many of you. I can not attempt to adequately state how much it means seeing all your notes and knowing that you care so much for us and were praying for our safety. Though I am my family are safe and sound I must confess that there have been a couple of times yesterday, last night, and even into this morning that I felt like I was about to "loose it" as I am still in a bit of "shock" from this tragic event. I'm stunned but standing.

As most of you know I work in the White House. I was within the complex working yesterday morning and we all got "asked to leave immediately" when the rumors were that yet another hijacked aircraft was headed for Washington. There were a lot of scared folks. We knew we'd have to be one of the targets. Then boom, the Pentagon gets hit. We felt it, heard it and immediately saw the smoke out our windows. If there was any doubt left in White House employees minds, that got them out of the building immediately, quick smart. The massive evacuation of downtown DC employees was on and within minutes the sky's over DC had F-16 fighters flying overhead. I intended to stay back till things calmed down on the streets and got a phone call asking me to come back to my office.

I got home last night finally after being held back on standby for crisis action center duties. The company I work for is big-time into White House communication systems support and our classified Video Conferencing facilities were going to be in high demand. I thought my days of working in crisis action centers were over since Desert Storm and getting out of the Army. That experience paid off big time again. It was a hectic day to say the least but cool heads prevailed and it made me proud to be working with such a great bunch of people. This administration has some very experienced people in the right places for such events as this.

As you all know by now the Pentagon was hit and it still remains to be determined out how many died there. I hate to spread rumors and I cannot confirm anything as to particular individuals missing as some of you have asked. I've been informed that 81 from the DM Directorate didn't make it out yesterday... some I know. Many are yet unaccounted for and believed to be under the rubble as they were on the first floor. I have no idea how bad this is going to be in the end.... it's just a mess... please just keep all of them and their families in your thoughts and prayers..... Many of the family members are outside the building waiting for any kind of news.

I can't tell you my inner feelings right now, the hurt, the pain, the anger... the loss..... Most of you are having the same feelings I'm sure.

I (we) have received a ton of calls and emails, and I'm trying to answer them. If you don't get an individual reply please forgive me. But do know this... It really makes me feel good to know there are so many folks are out there who were concerned for our safety!

:-). I'm amazed and quite humbled. We do feel your love and am so appreciative.

Again, thanks, it means so, so much to know you and others care!

Jon & Ann & Brittany