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FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Oct. 25, 2021)- Col. (Ret.) Gregory Gadson visited basic trainees assigned to Bravo Battery, 95th Adjutant General Battalion, on Oct. 25, 2021, to speak about his military career and the adversities he had to overcome after he was wounded in Baghdad, Iraq.
Following an introduction by Col. Daniel Blackmon, commander, 434th FA Brigade, Gadson told his story to basic combat trainees who are currently recovering from injuries which pulled them from training.
“I had the opportunity to give them a pep talk and a perspective about pushing through,” said Gadson. “Share a few of my perspectives in life, resiliency, and leadership.”
Gadson lost both of his legs after his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in 2007 during the surge in Iraq. After recovering from his injuries he continued to serve in the Army.
“Proud and fortunate to continue to serve despite the injuries for another seven plus years and had the opportunity to command again,” said Gadson on his service after his injuries.
Fort Sill was Gadson’s first duty station after he completed Officer Basic Course, and then he was assigned to III Corps Artillery and deployed to the first Gulf War. He was also West Point classmates with Maj. Gen. Kenneth Kamper, commander, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill.
“Where I cut my teeth in the Army and laid the foundation for the next 20 plus years after I left,” said Gadson of Fort Sill.
If Gadson looks familiar it could be because he has starred in the Blockbuster film Battleship and in a season of The Inspectors. Since retiring from the Army in 2014, he has stayed busy working as a partner in a small company along with non-profit organizations to help veterans with disabilities. He also has worked closely with the New York Giants, receiving two Super Bowl rings from their wins over the New England Patriots.
Gadson was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame on Oct. 24, 2021, for his 26 years of service. A native to Oklahoma, who was born in Oklahoma City, he also spent a significant number of years serving at Fort Sill.
“Proud to be an Oklahoman,” is how Gadson phrased his feelings at the ceremony, saying the induction into the Hall of Fame was a “Great honor, and humbling.”
| Date Taken: | 10.25.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.27.2021 15:12 |
| Story ID: | 408105 |
| Location: | FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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