DIANE HORNING'S LETTER RE: OCME WTC DNA REPORT

[DMCKEON]

Dear Ellen,

I request a meeting of all interested parties about these reports and related subjects.

1. There seems to be no set schedule for the releasing of these reports. While promised monthly reports, often several months go by without any notification.
In addition, the format changes often so that following the progress or changes is very difficult.

2. We do not really understand what all the ramp designations mean. We are alarmed that so many discoveries and identifications have been made only as a result of the family’s constant insistence that more human remains could be found at the site. Now that more deconstruction is taking place, we are anxious to know that all efforts will be made to search the areas properly. This search still appears to be based on accidental discoveries and a hit-or-miss approach. We need to have an honest and open meeting to assure us this isn't the case. Degradation due to the amount of years that have gone by has been noted as a reason for the difficulty in making some identifications. If this is true, we cannot continue to leave unrecovered remains at the WTC environs, further complicating any chances of identification.

3. Further, I believe we were misled when we were given our tour of the Brooklyn facility. We were told that the City was keeping the materials from Phase II in covered containers. Then, by accident, we discovered that these containers were being taken to Fresh Kills. Upon further inspection, we found these containers had no covers. Covers were then provided only after we questioned this discrepancy.

4. Now we have seen that the containers have been emptied into a temporarily tented area at Fresh Kills. They are no longer in the metal containers. We cannot find out what the intention is for disposing of this material. Nor have we been permitted to inspect these areas, being told that this is a "working" area where we are not permitted.
We have never been permitted, despite our requests, to see the work in progress at the WTC environs. We were refused an inspection of the off-loading area in Brooklyn. Now there is one more work area off limits.

We have been asked to deal in blind faith even though we have seen that such faith was misguided in the past. We have a right to know what is being done, who is doing it and what regulations have guided the actions being taken in the recovery and identification of these dead. We deserve to be met with respect, not annoyance. We need to deal with representatives from the ME's office who are willing and able to deal with our questions and who will not express anger and resentment when we raise questions.

I appreciate the way you, Ellen, speak with us and try to reach us. But the questions we have and the information we seek must come from the administration and the scientific element of the Office of the ME. We expect a prompt response from them, and thank you for facilitating this interaction.

Sincerely,

Diane Horning, mother of 26-year-old Matthew Horning

WTC Families for Proper Burial, Inc.