TASK DEFINITION: Given a text, write a compressed version of it in a single sentence.
PROBLEM: As for essentials, hotel and dollar shops carry mineral water, soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, but many medicinal or cosmetic staples are hard to come by; it's still best to bring all you need from home.

SOLUTION: While hotels and dollar shops carry some essentials, many medicinal products are hard to find

PROBLEM: At 9:55, the incident commander ordered an evacuation of the Pentagon impact area because a partial collapse was imminent; it occurred at 9:57, and no first responder was injured.

SOLUTION: At 9 pm, the incident commander called to evacuate the impacted area of the Pentagon upon collapse; no first responder was injured

PROBLEM: It is those that are so sorely missed in his column.

SOLUTION:
It is those that are sorely missed.