Inside the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, critical command networks faced total collapse as tragedy struck the nation’s military headquarters. In this special commemorative episode marking 25 years since 9/11, host Chip Walters sits down with retired United States Air Force Colonel Thomas Hickerson—a 2021 Cyber Space Operations Hall of Fame inductee—to recount his direct experience managing the Pentagon’s backbone communications during the attack. Col. Hickerson details the harrowing moment Flight 77 struck, the decision to remain inside a burning building, and how a core team of unsung heroes ensured America's military command structure stayed online.
This conversation goes beyond the tactical response to explore the human spirit during national crises. Col. Hickerson reflects on the immediate aftermath, the massive logistical hurdles of re-establishing operations in an active crime scene, and the profound unity that defined the nation in September 2001. From impromptu emergency setups to honoring everyday civilian heroes, this episode serves as an essential, firsthand historical account of duty, leadership, and resilience.
Key Takeaways:
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Firsthand eyewitness account of the 9/11 attack from inside the Pentagon basement.
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How critical military command-and-control communications were kept online during the crisis.
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The hidden logistical challenges of securing data servers and setting up emergency operations.
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Tributes to the unsung heroes, including civilian contractors, power plant operators, and local teachers.
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Reflections on leadership, military readiness, and the enduring unity of post-9/11 America.
