Greg Gadson

Lieutenant Colonel Greg Gadson has survived the very worst of war, but this highly decorated American soldier has not been defeated by unfortunate circumstance; instead, his life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. Gadson understands that hard work and determination are key factors in overcoming life-altering setbacks. His biggest challenge happened in Iraq when an IED attack led to both of his legs being amputated above the knees. For anyone else, this might have been a defining moment, but he refused to be defined by the proverbial "hail of bullets."

Gadson speaks with fervor about the crucial role teamwork and camaraderie play when facing life's obstacles. He applies his story of personal adversity to every level of an organization, showing how every team depends on every one of its players. The lessons he imparts are not just words; his life was saved by the application of these same lessons. As an Army commander, he has been responsible for the lives of his men, and thanks to the training, preparedness, and professionalism he teaches and practices--his life was saved by those same men. Few people understand the value of teamwork and support better than Lieutenant Colonel Greg Gadson.

A Soldier's Life. A highly decorated lieutenant colonel, Gadson commanded the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery in Iraq. He's served in every major conflict of the last two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm (Kuwait), Operation Joint Forge (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). His awards include the Bronze Star (3), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal, to name only a few. Still an active officer in the U.S. Army, Gadson recently completed a master's degree in policy management from Georgetown University, and he is a fellow at the Institute of World Politics. He also teaches lessons of teamwork he's learned with young people on high school and college football teams around the country.

Pride, Poise, Team. Gadson's football playing career ended at West Point, but his impact on the sport has reached amazing new heights. In 2008, he played a key, behind-the-scenes role in the New York Giants' Super Bowl victory. At the behest of Head Coach Tom Coughlin, Gadson met the team and talked to them briefly about service, duty, perseverance, and adversity. Although Gadson refuses to take any credit, the Giants players and coaches have heralded the key inspirational role he played in their unprecedented season, eventually inviting him to watch from the team bench during their remarkable playoff run. For his example of leadership, courage, and camaraderie, Gadson was named the Giants' Honorary co-Captain at the NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field. As a starting linebacker on the Army football team at West Point, he learned Coach Jim Young's fundamentals of organization--Pride, Poise, Team--a touchstone lesson which Gadson applies to his life, career, and family. Gadson continues to live by his coach's motto as well as the advice he gave the Super Bowl Champs: "You have to fight for every yard, every inch."