Colonel Gadson takes command at Fort Belvoir
The Army reports that Col. Gregory D. Gadson, a double amputee and star of the movie “Battleship” has taken command of Fort Belvoir’s garrison;
As of June 1, about 1,000 Soldiers in the Army Wounded Warrior program, or AW2, of 11,117 Soldiers and veterans have amputation injuries. Sixty-nine amputees have returned to active duty in the current conflict under the Continue on Active Duty, or COAD program. Eight more have returned to serve with the Army National Guard.
Gadson returned to active duty to serve almost two years as director of the AW2 program before being selected to command Fort Belvoir. On Monday he was presented the Belvoir command colors by Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter, commander, Army Installation Management Command, on Long Parade Field across from post headquarters.
“He has shown that it isn’t about what you cannot do, it’s about what you can do,” Ferriter said of Gadson. “He’s able to lead and get right to things that need to happen.”
I can’t tell you how much I admire soldiers like Col Gadson who walk the walk. He represents the strength that all wounded warriors have within themselves to overcome their injuries, and I think the fact that he remained on active duty will inspire others to continue their lives despite the burdens they carry from the wars.
Yeah, I think he’s got this.
Category: Real Soldiers
This is awesome…..Rock on Patriot 6!
A great big SALUTE, sir!
That scene had me giggling.
Gol. Gadson puts the fakes to shame.
@3: I would like to see him do to the fakes what he does in the movie clip.
Rock on, Colonel!
So would I, Old Trooper. I don’t think they’d last long, do you?
Hell yeah! Is all I can say. Keep going sir. I will keep up my my recovery.
Col Gadson,
A salute and a great big Army HUAH!! Sir!!
I had the pleasure of introducing COL Gadson at CGSC when he came and spoke with our class. He was very inspirational and very well spoken. He did not hesitate to discuss his injury or his attitude toward making the most of what we have.
Nothing like a titanium knee to the face series to give any ugly azz alien a headache. And in APFU’s no less lol!!
A little sidetrack, who and what rank is the solider on the far left? I am sure some Drill Instructors would either disclaim or want him for remedial training . What is with the hand salute he is rendering? Proud of the Colenel, we are handicapped not crippled.
Outstanding! Thanks for posting this.
HOOAH! Kudos to the COL!
That was my comment above. Just FYI. Forgot to put my name, dammit.
Col Gadson is still a Giants fan, ergo I will avoid Ft Belvoir.
If this had been part of the movie’s trailer I would have gone to see this in a heartbeat. Now that it’s not in theaters I’ll have to wait for the DVD.
I love it when the Army gets something REALLY right! Congratulations to COL Gadson – not just for his Command but for setting such an example for all.
COL Gadson is a real life Super Hero. If you don’t believe me … just ask my 6 year son. Dylan asked after seeing the clip, “daddy do all Army guys have bionical legs like that”. I said, “some do, they are your heros”. He responded, “no they are super heros”. If you want the truth … talk to a 6 year old! HOOYAH COL!
COL Gadson is DA MAN!!!!
That said, I wanted to point out the same thing as #10. To the O6 on the left: WTF kind of a salute is that????
@ 10 and 18 … The salute may be attributed to: a blind right eye; or he was reading the words to the National Anthen scribed on his hand; he might have been dizzy and was attempted to balance himself; or most probably he was never taught how to render a proper hand salute! HAND SALUTE … READY TO.
That fullbird on the left could certainly use a lesson in saluting. Jeez.
So….is it just the picture or is Col Gadson really that big of a man?
It looks like he could pick up the general and beat the other Col with him without changing expression or breaking a sweat.
The Col. was the best part of that movie.
He really does have a natural screen presence.
@21: He’s that big. I wouldn’t want to piss him off.
It would be a great honor to meet this true soldier! I agree with MCPO NYC USN (Ret.)’s Son, COL Gadson is a Super Hero. HOAH!!
I served with COL G during the surge of Baghdad in 07. He was in my BDE as the FA BN CDR. He was a good dude. We lost him early in the deployment and he was an inspiration to all of us when we came home. He’s a good cat…well done Army about time you put some real men in command.