Interview: 9/11 Survivor Lt. Col. Marilyn Wills on National Geographic's "9/11 Reunited"

Twenty-five years after the September 11th terrorist attacks, National Geographic's new documentary series 9/11 Reunited brings together survivors, first responders, and the strangers whose split-second acts of courage changed the course of their lives, many meeting again for the very first time. Among them is retired Lt. Col. Marilyn Wills, who was working in the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building. As her office filled with smoke and flames, Wills helped guide several colleagues to safety before being forced to jump from a second-floor window to escape. Below, Navy SEAL Cmdr. Craig Powell caught her as she fell and helped get her to medical care. Wills was later awarded the Purple Heart for her actions that day. More than two decades later, 9/11 Reunited brought Wills and Powell face-to-face for the first time since that morning, giving her the chance to finally thank the man who saved her life. Ahead of the series' premiere, I spoke with Wills about the reunion, the years since 9/11, and what she hopes future generations take from her story.

Alex: Was reuniting with Commander Powell something you had been wanting to do? Was this a sweet surprise that it came about for the 25th anniversary?

Marilyn Wills: I always wanted to meet Commander Powell, but I just never got the chance to, because after 9/11 we continued to serve — he in the Navy, me in the Army — and we went our separate ways. So when this opportunity presented itself, without a doubt the answer was yes. Absolutely.

Alex: When it comes to 9/11, the image that most people have in their heads is the Twin Towers. Has it been difficult having people assume that means you must have been in the Twin Towers rather than the Pentagon?

Marilyn Wills: Actually, not really, because I was in the DC area. So my family, friends, and my extended circle of friends all knew it was DC, at the Pentagon. But I will tell you, there was a time when those of us in DC felt like we were, quote, "the stepchildren" of this terrible event, because all of the focus was on New York — rightly so, they lost way more people than we did. But the same thing happened in Washington. The same thing happened in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Alex: There are conversations around PTSD with people who served in various arms of the military. Do you think this experience came with its own unique form of PTSD, or do you think it's very similar to what anyone goes through who serves and goes through a traumatic event?

Marilyn Wills: I think it's its own thing, because it happened on our soil — it hit home. Not to minimize any of the conflicts or wars we've fought, but those soldiers are overseas, and they have to come back with those scars. We never had to leave our soil, and we still have those scars. So, I mean, it's all connected, but I believe there's a difference because it hit us right here at home. And it also killed other Americans, whereas overseas, there aren't as many civilians who can be injured. Right here at home, it's a little different.

Alex: Being that we're 25 years past the event, do you have a new perspective on this as you think about the anniversary? Or does it all feel the same as it did back then?

Marilyn Wills: Yeah. First off, I keep telling myself, 25 years ago, I was a young lady; now I'm an older lady. And it has shifted my perspective over these years that have passed. Now that I've retired, it's time to slow it all down. It's time to really reflect and think about life, how fragile life is, because back then, I was just that hamster on the wheel. I had to keep going. But as time went on, it's like, no, you don't. Slow it all down, enjoy family, create memories, and create some experiences with your family and friends.

Alex: Speaking of realizing the precious shortness of life, was there anything you prioritized doing after the event, such as getting a tattoo or taking a trip?

Marilyn Wills: I still haven't gotten that tattoo, and my children keep saying, "Mom, come on, let's go." But absolutely. I did not visit my mom and dad as much as I know I should have, because I was serving, and it's hard to get back and forth. But now that's a priority. Unfortunately, my dad has passed, but that's a priority with my mom. I need to see her as often as I can, and put my hands and eyes on her as often as I can. As well as, now that I have grandchildren, we live states apart from them, but it's nothing but getting on a plane. I need to see them, because of this very thing: life is very fragile and short. So that's the priority in life, family.

Alex: That's beautiful. Have you gotten to see the series?

Marilyn Wills: I just saw the second episode, and they did a fantastic job. It was so dynamic, I had to tell them, "Pause it for a moment, let me gather myself." My husband was there with me, and my girls were on the line, texting, saying, "Mom, how in the world can you continue to do this? It's been 25 years, and you're still talking." But I know it's something I have to do, because I'm history, and there aren't many events where we have people who are still alive and can share their experiences.

Alex: One of the talking points in the show is about how a lot of young people who were born after 2001 don't have any real firsthand knowledge of it. Since you mentioned you have grandchildren, I'm curious whether you find they have a better understanding than some of their peers because they know someone who went through it.

Marilyn Wills: I'm hoping that day will come, but they're really young now; the oldest is five. And I'm so glad you said that, Alex, because it's twofold. When I retired, I taught school — third through sixth grade — and it was my job as an educator to make sure those children knew that this tragedy had happened. “Oh by the way, your teacher survived this.” And then, every time I'm asked to come to an event, to be presented an award or to share, I ask my oldest daughter if her five-year-old can come, because I want her to know that grandma… she doesn't call me that, she calls me "the Colonel" — the Colonel has this story to tell. She doesn't understand it right now, but as she gets older, she's going to understand this story that the Colonel is talking about.

Alex: That's so sweet. Thank you very much for your time, Marilyn. I really appreciate it. I can't wait for the world to see the series.

Marilyn Wills: Thank you so much for having me.

9/11 Reunited premieres tonight at 8/7c on National Geographic, with all three episodes streaming tomorrow on Disney+ and Hulu.