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Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, USA (retired)
Co-author of Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Toward Peace and Purpose
Colonel Gregory D. Gadson is a Chesapeake, Virginia native who served in the United States Army for over 26 years. His distinguished military career culminated in his role as Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of a strategic base supporting more than 50,000 military personnel and employees across 140+ commands and agencies for the Department of Defense.
A 25-year Army officer, Colonel Gadson's life is a testament to courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. In May 2007, while commanding the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery in Iraq, an IED attack resulted in the loss of both his legs above the knees and the partial loss of use of his right arm and hand. Despite these life-altering injuries, he remained on active duty, continuing to serve his country and inspiring others with his message of resilience, determination, and teamwork.
Colonel Gadson's impact extended beyond the military. In 2007, he was invited by Tom Coughlin, head coach of the New York Giants, to speak to the struggling team. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming adversity, Gadson’s words about service, teamwork, duty, and perseverance resonated deeply with the players, who went on to defeat the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
In 2012, Gadson made his silver screen debut in Battleship, where he portrayed a war-injured veteran who helps save the world from an alien invasion. He later appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles in 2022, further expanding his influence as an actor and role model.
Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Colonel Gadson served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Joint Forge, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. His leadership was characterized by his unwavering commitment to the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
As a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, Colonel Gadson actively contributes to several veteran service boards, including the Gary Sinise Foundation. He is also the managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company that continues to serve veterans and military families.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Colonel Gadson is an accomplished photographer, artist, and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes cycling, skiing, skydiving, and scuba diving. His military honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star (3), Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal (3), among others. He is a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and holds master's degrees in Information Systems from Webster University and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He also holds an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Webster University.
BOOKS
Co-author of Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Toward Peace and Purpose by Terese Schlachter and Colonel Gregory Gadson, (Ret.)


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