Actor and Marine Rob Riggle on Working at Ground Zero After 9/11 Attacks

----------------------------------------------------------------

Before becoming a famous actor and comedian, Rob Riggle spent 23 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring from the reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2013.

During his time with the Marines, Riggle deployed on a variety of missions all over the world. Serving in Liberia, Kosovo, Albania, and Afghanistan. When America was attacked on 9/11, Riggle worked grueling shifts at ground zero searching for survivors, by hand.

Post military service Rob found enormous success in television as a correspondent on The Daily Show. Followed by roles in hit films like Step Brothers, The Hangover, 12 Strong, and 21 Jump Street.

Interview recorded on November 4, 2023

----------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------

Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[americanveteranscenter]

HISTORY LOVERS — before you comment, be sure to subscribe to this YouTube channel and ring the notification bell so you never miss a future upload!

[georgefitter]

On 9/11, I was a pipe fitter foreman at Newark airport, terminal C parking garage. We were told to evacuate the airport after it was learned that the planes took off from Newark. As I drove North on the NJ turnpike, the signs said, “NYC is closed”. I pulled over on the turnpike overpass got out and watched the world trade tower fall. For the first time in my life, I was truly scared. I went to my children’s schools and safely got them home. The next day, I grabbed my protective gear (hard hat, goggles, welding gloves etc) and drove to Weehawkin, NJ to catch the ferry to NYC. I worked on the “mound”, clearing debris and searching for bodies. It took me 10 years to cope with what I saw, would do it again but pray each night that it never happens again.

[Pubk]

Steve Buscemi was a firefighter before he became a famous actor. After 9/11, he returned to his old fire station, and started working shifts just like the other firefighters.

[CBaller]

Rob Riggle, if you ever read this, sir, you are a walking American hero. Thank you for your service, and God bless.

[SgtScoobie]

Going under the south bridge at 7 years old weeks after 9/11 as a family member of a victim i will never forget the smells, sounds, and the feeling that overwhelmed. One of the planes engines were off to the right side near the trailers… i had nightmares i was on those planes for years afterward. Rip to my Uncle Firefighter Andrew Brian Jordan of ladder 132. He died in the south tower and his engine was found under the north bridge. Never forget. 🙏🏽🇺🇸

[jamesgerrity]

I was a rookie cop assigned to the Bronx. We were one of the first details down. I was at Greenwich and Chambers Street headed toward building 7, search and rescue, when it collapsed. His description of the eerie silence is 100 percent accurate. I remember the burger king he spoke of. Someone wrote Semper Fi in the dust on the window. His description is 100% of everything.I'll never forget it.

[ScardeyG]

Brit here…I remember 9/11 like it was yesterday. It’s one of the few times in my life that I can tell you exactly where I was, who I was with, and what I was doing. Won’t ever forget.

[davekuhn]

Man, as a former Army Officer who was in high school on 9/11 and deployed to Afghanistan 10 years later, Rob’s story is one to be told! Rob, if you ever read this… thank you for your actions and service to our country during that unbelievably difficult time! You’re a good man, and I hope I get the chance to buy you a beer and shake your hand. Also, props to the interviewer, as I felt as if I was seated at the bar (so to speak) just hearing the tale… and I really appreciate it all. Thanks to you all!

[AhHereWeGo]

I remember hearing about how rescue workers would hide in the rubble so the dogs would have a live person to find because they were becoming depressed.
It even had an effect on the DOGS.

[TheReverendSlim]

My brother and his wife were at Windows On The World the night before (and he still has a menu printout with the date on it). He had a job interview scheduled at the towers but I couldn't remember what day. When the first plane hit, I was frantically trying to call him from my office in Alabama, but the cell networks were overloaded. After the second plane hit, he managed to get a call through to me to let me know he was okay and that his interview was supposed to be on the 12th. We've always dealt with tension and tragedy with humor, so as the towers fell, I told him, "Man, I don't think you're getting that job." We laughed at the time, but later in the day, the realization hit that a day in either direction could have meant he was gone. I have unending respect for anyone who responded that day, and the days that followed.

[cpkfntc]

I've always liked him, but now I have a new respect for him.

[Zornow]

It's so weird to see riggle be serious. Much respect to a fellow service man

[lesliespann]

As a civilian, listening to this, and others’ stories, I see that our military and first responders live a reality that I have absolutely no concept of. Thank you, all, from the bottom of my heart, for your service to our country. 💚

[mcflyfarm]

Imagine accomplishing having become a pilot and a Marine and you decide your life is not fulfilled enough so you decide to become an actor too.

[petecartwright]

There are amazing people who walk among us and Riggle is one of them. He wasn't just a Marine; he was a Lt. Colonel in the Marines. He was deployed the Middle East. The dude has been around....

[crushlife]

Ever since I was a little kid I knew I would eventually end up in the military. I was a Freshman in college when 9/11 happened. That cemented the deal. The last 23 years has been a blur. Got married, 2 pumps to afghan land, had a kid, and now a civilian. 9/11 feels like a hundred years ago. Semper Fi 🇺🇸

[megsmith]

A man deserving of respect, thank you for your service.

[stevenmanganas]

I never knew Rob…was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines…and a pilot…and that he helped with search and rescue at ground zero…I have a new found respect for Mr Riggle…Thank You Sir for your service Love and Respect from Sydney, Australia 👍🏻👌🏻💪🏻❤️🇺🇸🇦🇺

[trish]

I too, thought it was a perfect day. I was living in a DC suburb and it was the most glorious morning. The sky was a lovely early September blue, the temperature was perfect. Every time I reflect on 9/11, my memory story begins on that feeling. And then chaos.

[Notnecessarilyliberal]

I want to thank Rob For telling his story. It’s relatively the same as mine but I was with the NYPD. I can relate 100%. It’s not disrespectful to say if you were not there you couldn’t understand. Having survived to this day is a miracle in itself. I have watched many of my co-workers who were with me that day succumb to illnesses over the years since. I personally have survived Pancreatic cancer, Kidney cancer and skin cancer. There are not many days that pass that I don’t think about all those, regardless of agency, that responded. We didn’t respond to be called heroes we did so because it was the right thing to do. The decent human thing to do. Eh…..anyway thanks again Rob for your service to our great country and for telling the story. God bless brother.