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WASHINGTON, DC – Playing the role of Army Lt. Col. Mick Canales,
a combat-wounded double amputee in the 2012 movie, “Battleship,”
Army Col. Gregory D. Gadson didn't flinch for a minute before
stepping from his vehicle, one prosthetic leg at a time, and,
declaring, “I got it,” before defeating an extraterrestrial invader
and ultimately helping to save the world.
Army Col. Gregory D. Gadson has been through life's ups and
downs: from a life-changing attack in Iraq to a role in a Hollywood
movie. Now serving as commander of Fort Belvoir, Va., Gadson credits
his family for his recovery. He especially appreciates the support
provided by his children -- who he said like all military children
demonstrate strength and resilience that enables their parents to
focus on the mission at hand. DOD photo by Donna Miles, September
13, 2013 |
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Standing up to and overcoming adversity is nothing new to Gadson,
who lost both legs above the knee and suffered severe arm and hand
injuries during his third deployment to Iraq. Gadson now serves as
garrison commander of Fort Belvoir, Va.
He credits his
Hollywood screenplay-worthy rebound in large part to his family --
and particularly his children -- who he said stood firmly behind him
every step of the way.
Speaking earlier this month at The
Boys and Girls Clubs of America's first Military Youth of the Year
awards ceremony, Gadson recalled the celebratory homecomings his
family enjoyed following his first two deployments to Iraq. But
during his third deployment, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd
Field Artillery in May 2007, he wasn't so lucky.
While
returning to his base camp from a memorial service for two fallen
comrades from his brigade, Gadson's up-armored Humvee was hit by an
improvised explosive device.
This time, his children were
taken from their classrooms and his family was put on an airplane to
reunite with him at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.
“I couldn't even remember my daughter's name,” Gadson recalled.
As he struggled through more than 20 surgeries, along with bouts
of depression and an occasional temptation to give up, Gadson said
he was amazed by the resilience his children demonstrated throughout
the ordeal.
“I can tell you, from my perspective, that they
held my family together,” he said. “When my world was turned upside
down, it was their unconditional love and strength that gave me the
courage [and] inspiration to fight through my challenges.”
By every account, Gadson has succeeded in that fight. Committed
to “soldiering on,” he remained on active duty and served as
director of the Army's Wounded Warrior Program. In June 2012, became
the first double-amputee to assume command of a major military
garrison. |
His accomplishments and can-do spirit have garnered
attention beyond military circles.
Shortly after Gadson was wounded, Tom Coughlin, once his teammate
on the U.S. Military Academy football team and now head coach for
the New York Giants, invited him to address the then-struggling
team. Gadson's message of service, teamwork, duty and perseverance
in the face of adversary is credited with inspiring the Giants to go
on to win the 2008 Super Bowl.
Next, Peter Berg, director of
“Battleship,” came knocking, inspired by Gadson's imposing presence
and impressive story.
Today, as a military leader and
advocate for wounded warriors, Gadson said he recognizes just how
much family members bring to the equation.
“Deployment is
serious business, and it demands our entire focus,” he said. Knowing
that their families have the resiliency to carry on in their absence
takes a huge burden from deployed troops, he said, freeing them to
concentrate on the mission at hand.
Military children possess
courage and wisdom beyond their years, Gadson said.
“They can
adapt to almost anything that is tossed before them,” he said. “They
possess the traits and responsibility and organization [that enables
them] to turn corners and meet and overcome obstacles, winning every
step of the way.”
Gadson credited the Boys and Girls Clubs
and the vast array of youth programs the military offers that he
said help them navigate the unique challenges they face, and to
become role models and leaders in their own right.
Honoring
six regional finalists in the Military Youth of the Year
competition, including the winner, RaShaan Allen, Gadson urged them
to embrace the qualities that make them unique.
“As Col. Mick
Canales in the movie might challenge you, continue to display the
courage that you have,” he said. “That courage will allow you to
overcome any of the challenges you face in life. Learn from your
failures and always be an ambassador for our military children and
your families and your club.”
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2013
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