9th Annual Professional Development Day Women Of Defense 2018 Conference Program | Page 7

Col. Gregory D. Gadson
USA (Ret.)FOR VIRGINIA
Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, a Chesapeake, Va., native;
served our nation in the United States Army for more than
26 years. Col. Gadson’s service culminated as the Garrison
Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily
operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where
more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide
logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and
command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands
and agencies for the Department of Defense.
A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson’s life is a portrait
of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as
commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col.
Gadson’s greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised
Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the
knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this,
Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued
to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance,
determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by the
proverbial “hail of bullets,” he has since drawn upon the
lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point
linebacker, and applied them to his life, career and family.
Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989
from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Greg served in every major conflict of the past
two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-
Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Greg served
in various assignments throughout the world. He dedicated himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian
employees and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service,
Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. Greg is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans
and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testified before Congress on issues related to these
groups.
In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Gadson to meet with the then struggling
team. Gadson talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance and adversity. His
message resonated and the New York Giants defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl
XLII. Greg made his silver screen debut in 2012 as a lead actor in the blockbuster movie Battleship;
where he portrayed a war-injured veteran that helped save the world from an alien invasion. In 2015,
he completed season one of The Inspectors, a family television series on CBS.
Greg continues a very energetic and dynamic lifestyle where he continues to serve his nation as an
entrepreneur and managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company. He is
also an accomplished photographer/artist and remains active in cycling, skiing and scuba.
Greg’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Stars
(3); Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal (3) and the Army Commendation Medal (3). He is
a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds masters
degrees in Information Systems from Webster University; and Policy Management from Georgetown
University. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Webster University.
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