Some stories deserve to be told, not just because they recount extraordinary events, but because they have the power to change lives.
Rob Weisberg’s journey is one of those. A firefighter, survivor, and now an author, his book From the Grey Tunnel to the Green Tunnel: A 9/11 Firefighter’s Journey from Despair to Hope is a deeply personal memoir chronicling his harrowing experiences during the September 11, 2001, attacks and his long, painful road to healing. More than just a firefighter’s account, it is an example of resilience, mental health awareness, and the transformative power of nature.
Before that fateful day, Rob Weisberg lived a seemingly ordinary life, balancing two worlds. By profession, he was a successful accountant, holding a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Denver. However, his heart belonged to service. A dedicated volunteer firefighter for over 31 years, he had committed himself to protecting his Long Island community.
On September 11, 2001, Rob Weisberg was heading to work when he felt the ground shake—American Airlines Flight 11 had struck the North Tower. Instead of seeking safety, he ran toward danger, volunteering at FDNY’s 10 House near Ground Zero. He helped set up a triage center, but as the second plane hit the South Tower, the situation worsened. Trapped in the dust clouds of both tower collapses, he miraculously survived. In the aftermath, Weisberg spent nine months at Ground Zero aiding recovery efforts, but the emotional toll of the devastation deeply affected him, leaving lasting mental scars.
Like many who lived through that day, Weisberg developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The weight of survivor’s guilt, the recurring nightmares, and the overwhelming pain of losing so many brothers in the fire service began to take a toll.
“I almost got killed several times that day,” Weisberg shared in an interview with Swagger Magazine. “I got trapped in both collapses, and it got to the point where I had my suicide planned out.”
For years, Weisberg struggled with the emotional scars of 9/11. The smallest triggers—a loud noise, the smell of smoke, even a simple conversation about that day—could send him spiraling. It was an invisible wound that many first responders bore but few spoke about. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in the fire service, only made it harder to seek help.
Desperate for relief, Weisberg turned to nature. He had always found solace in the great outdoors, and in what he calls an act of survival, he made the decision to embark on a life-changing journey—a solo hike along the Appalachian Trail (AT), covering over 1,850 miles from Georgia to Maine.
For five and a half months, Weisberg walked through forests, over mountains, and across vast landscapes, confronting his demons every step of the way. Alone with his thoughts, he finally had the space to process the immense grief and trauma he had been carrying for years. The trail became his therapy, offering a kind of healing that no medication or counseling session ever could.
As he hiked, Weisberg documented his journey, sharing his experiences and reflections on social media. The response was overwhelming. People—both strangers and loved ones—began reaching out, thanking him for his honesty. Many confessed that they, too, had struggled with mental health battles and found comfort in his words.
A pivotal moment came when a Vietnam War veteran approached him and said, “Finally, someone who understands me.” That was when Weisberg realized his story had the power to inspire others.
Encouraged by the people he met along the way, Weisberg decided to put his story into words. From the Grey Tunnel to the Green Tunnel is more than just a memoir; it is a lifeline for those struggling with PTSD, depression, and the weight of their past.
The book serves two primary audiences: those who are battling mental health challenges and those who want to understand and support a loved one going through them. By offering both perspectives, Weisberg provides a bridge between the sufferers and their families, helping to foster greater empathy and understanding.
“If I can inspire just one person to keep fighting, then this book has done its job,” Weisberg said.
Since publishing his book, Weisberg has become an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly for first responders and veterans. He has been invited to speak at various events, sharing his journey with audiences who, like him, have faced the darkness of PTSD.
He often starts his speeches with a simple question: “How many of you have gone to the movies?” Almost every hand goes up. Then he follows up with another: “How many of you have ever had someone try to kill you?” Silence. In most rooms, he is the only one who raises his hand.
It is this stark contrast that underscores the isolation trauma survivors feel. Weisberg’s mission is to bridge that gap, to create conversations, and to ensure that no one has to suffer in silence.
From the Grey Tunnel to the Green Tunnel is not just a book—it’s a movement. A movement to break the stigma around PTSD, to support those who have given everything in the line of duty, and to remind us all that there is light at the end of even the darkest tunnels.
His book is now available on Amazon, and his message continues to inspire countless people across the world. Because, as Weisberg himself puts it, “You just have to stay in the fight.”
