The story of Rob Weisberg is one of resilience, survival, and transformation. From a volunteer firefighter caught in the chaos of September 11, 2001, to a man hiking over 1,800 miles on the Appalachian Trail in pursuit of healing, Rob’s life is a powerful example of the strength of the human spirit. His deeply personal memoir, From the Grey Tunnel to the Green Tunnel, is more than an account of his life; it’s a guide for those navigating the darkness of trauma, showing that light can always be found, even in the most unexpected places.
Rob’s journey began on Long Island, New York, in the small town of Commack. As a child, he was captivated by the idea of community service, joining the Boy Scouts at a young age. Scouting wasn’t just a pastime for him; it was a passion that instilled in him values of leadership, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors. The Boy Scouts also offered Rob his first exposure to the Appalachian Trail, a connection that would come full circle decades later.
Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, Rob’s childhood was filled with the camaraderie of neighborhood baseball games and family camping trips. He fondly recalls his family’s cross-country camping adventure that introduced him to the grandeur of America’s national parks, experiences that shaped his lifelong love for nature.
As he matured, Rob’s path led him to study accounting at the University of Denver. Though he pursued a career in finance, the idea of becoming a firefighter always lingered in the back of his mind. In 1993, while working as a financial controller, Rob joined the Commack Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, fulfilling a long-held dream. The role quickly became more than just a community obligation; it became a vital part of his identity.
Rob’s life took a dramatic turn on September 11, 2001. On that fateful morning, he was commuting to work near the World Trade Center when the first plane struck the North Tower. As chaos erupted, Rob’s instincts as a firefighter kicked in. He rushed to a nearby firehouse, offering his assistance in any capacity needed. Assigned to set up a triage center, he worked tirelessly to bring order to the chaos, treating the injured and managing the influx of people seeking refuge.
The events that followed remain etched in his memory. Rob recalls the terrifying moments when the South Tower collapsed, trapping him and others in the firehouse beneath a choking cloud of ash and debris. “It was like drowning in dust,” he later said, describing the suffocating conditions and the sheer terror of the moment. Despite the danger, he and the others managed to escape and continued their efforts to help those in need.
Over the next nine months, Rob worked in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero, a grueling and emotionally taxing experience. The work was both a way to honor his fallen friends and a heavy burden to carry. Every day spent sifting through rubble and searching for remains brought him closer to the edge of his own emotional breaking point.
For years after 9/11, Rob struggled silently with the weight of his trauma. Like many first responders, he felt a sense of guilt and responsibility, questioning why he survived when so many others did not. These thoughts, combined with the harrowing memories of that day, manifested as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, Rob kept his struggles hidden, even from those closest to him.
It was in these darkest moments that Rob found a glimmer of hope. He discovered that being in nature—hiking, camping, and simply being surrounded by the wilderness—offered him a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in years. This realization marked the beginning of his journey toward healing.
In 2019, Rob embarked on a transformative journey: a five-and-a-half-month hike along the Appalachian Trail (AT). Spanning over 2,100 miles, the trail is one of the most grueling long-distance hikes in the world, but for Rob, it was not just a physical challenge—it was a spiritual one. He saw the trail as a way to process his trauma, rediscover himself, and confront the emotional scars he had carried since 9/11.
Today, Rob is an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the first responder and veteran communities. Through public speaking engagements and his service dog, Kit, he spreads a message of hope and resilience. He works to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, urging others to seek help and reminding them that they are not alone.
Rob’s book, From the Grey Tunnel to the Green Tunnel, dives deeply into these issues. It includes not only his own experiences but also the perspectives of veterans and first responders, offering readers a multifaceted understanding of PTSD. By sharing his story, Rob hopes to inspire others to confront their struggles and find their own paths to healing.
Rob Weisberg’s story is not just about surviving tragedy; it’s about transforming it into something meaningful. From the ashes of Ground Zero to the vibrant green of the Appalachian Trail, his journey offers a powerful example of how healing and purpose can emerge from the darkest times. Through his advocacy and his writing, Rob has turned his pain into a mission to help others, showing that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, there is a path forward.
