Episode 50: Will Jimeno Sunrise Through The Darkness
An avid bowhunter, Will Jimeno almost called in sick on September 11th, 2001. Little did he know what that day would have in store for him but looking back 20 years later, he wouldn't change a thing. Trapped beneath the Twin Towers for 13 hours, Will's journey was just beginning when he was pulled from rubble that night.
Born in Columbia but immigrating to the United States at a young age, it was instilled in him that he and his family would learn to speak English, fly the American flag and support the country that provided them so many opportunities. That spirit of serving would lead Will to join the Navy and then the Port Authority as a Police Officer in New York and New Jersey.
We all know what happened on the morning of 9/11 and Jimeno was right in the middle of it. Heading into the Twin Towers with countless other law enforcement and first responders, the buildings would collapse on Will and his team. Sadly, he and his Sergeant John McLoughlin would be the only two from his group to make it out alive. My words cannot do justice to describe how those hours were spent and I strongly suggest you obtain a copy of Sunrise Through The Darkness to read it for yourself. Their story was also captured on film by Oliver Stone with the 2006 release of World Trade Center.
His time in law enforcement now over, Jimeno would see several counselors before finally meeting Debbie Mandell. She was able to help Will in ways that the others could not and also requested to include his wife Allison in some of the sessions. It was the breakthrough that they had been looking for and while not a cure for his post traumatic stress, he was now given the tools that he needed to manage it more effectively.
One of his primary means to escape leading back to his pre 9/11 days was hunting and the outdoors, specifically bowhunting. Even something as simple as heading to the range to shoot a few arrows allowed Will to keep his emotions in check when the PTSD would trigger his anger. To this day, the friendships that he has made in the archery community continue to aid him in his recovery. Describing nature as an outlet, Jimeno finds peace and solitude in the outdoors and it's a reminder of how truly blessed he is to live another day and for all the good things he has in his life.
Now an accomplished public speaker, Will is changing lives through sharing his story across the country each year and continuing to serve others. From the first voicemail I received from him back in February, I knew there was something special about Will Jimeno. Our conversation, reading his book and this podcast left me with a feeling that for as lost and broken as this world seems at times, there is still so much good in it. I cannot imagine what it was like to be trapped in that building on that September day but as Will explained, we all have our own 9/11. Whether it be time in combat, serving as a first responder, death of a loved one, an addiction, a divorce, whatever it may be. We will all experience a significant trauma in our lives at some point that will plunge us into darkness. But through faith, hope and love, we can find the light again.
Thank you for being the light for so many Will.
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