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Col. Gregory Gadson, right, attends a ceremony where he assumes command of U.S. Army Fort Belvoir. He is sitting next to outgoing commander Col. John Strycula, left, and Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter, center, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, outside Washington, D.C. on Monday.
A soldier injured by an improvised explosive device in Iraq in 2007 became the first double amputee to take command of a major military installation, the Army reported on its home page on Wednesday.
Col. Gregory Gadson officially assumed command of 47,000-troop-strong Fort Belvoir, Va., on Monday.
The West Point graduate lost both his legs above the knees and suffered a severe injury to his right arm when his vehicle hit an IED on May 7, 2007, as he returned from a memorial service for fellow soldiers in Baghdad, according to the army report.
Gadson, who wears two prosthetics with what the military calls "next-generation powered knees," requested to stay on active duty after his injuries rather than take medical retirement, it said. He spent two years heading up the Army Wounded Warrior program.
"He was able to reassure personally those newly wounded who are looking down a long road to recovery and to motivate soldiers and civilians alike," said Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter, who presented Gadson his command colors at the fort, just outside Washington, D.C.
"He has shown that it isn't about what you cannot do, it's about what you can do," Ferriter said, according to the army report. "He's able to lead and get right to things that need to happen."
Gadson served in the Army for more than 20 years as a field artillery officer, according to a profile on the Fort Belvoir web site. His military career has included deployments to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Kuwait, Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to his injuries in Iraq in 2007, he was commanding a new unit as part of the surge to secure Baghdad.
The Fort Belvoir web site said outgoing commander Col. John Strycula, who headed up the installation for two years, was heading to Afghanistan for his next assignment.
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About time we start treating people with disabilities like productive citizens of this country.
He is an officer so he is treated differently, there is a double standard in the Military.
Almost all injured enlisted soldiers are dismissed(DISCHARGED) and they must often fight for a more-appropriate medical retirement and also wait 2-5 years for a Veterans Administration disability Compensation decision.
What about the tens of thousands of young enlistees who would like to remain in service but are simply discharged and thrown away and tossed onto the dysfunctional VA system?
Our nation has shown our true colors and they are not pretty - how else could america sit back and allow the government to treat wounded soldiers with such disdain?
America could care less about it's soldiers, in fact, average citizens are envious that a military member can retire as early as age 37.
Our nation is nothing but self-centered greed - actions speak louder than words and 'inaction" to help our maimed veterans says it all.
-From a totally disabled veteran who was screwed by America and sued - and won.
No double standard, just the reality that it's hard for a Army specialist to remain in a combat unit without his natural legs. As a senior ranking officer Col. Gadson won't be leading combat soldiers in the field and I'll bet his days in the Army are numbered. So now he has a desk job just to show it can be done. Still huge respect for a person who has given so much for this country.
DEAD ON!!!!!
Hooah!
47,000 troops? Belvoir was my NG base back in the 1990's, and used to utilize their archery range throughout the 00's - all those years and I didn't know it had that many folk.
Anyhow, good for him - his physical limitations might keep him off of front line duty, but they obviously don't preclude him from commanding a post. Glad the Army showed flexibility and didn't get all stupid with insisting on retiring him on a medical.
As a person with disabilities AND a former "AF Brat" AND someone who has lived in NOVA for over 20 years; I commend Col. Gadson for having the type of personality to persevere in the face of what for some people would be catastrophe and huge loss. Sir, I salute you!
@Spine Bob--you are truly ignorant of the medical requirements in the military. Every position has a medical standard that follows a "PULHES" score. I served with Col. Gadson. I know him personally. He would never accept a position based on charity. He earned this assignment and he meets the medical standard to serve in this capacity.
Congratulations Greg!
I agree that there are double standards in the military: standards for the young and middle enlisted, another for E-7-E-9, another for 0-1 through 0-5, another for 0-6, and yet another for 0-7 through 0-10. Huge double standards exist and are applied today (I'd bet) as they were when I served some years ago. I'm glad Bob was able to prevail in court. I also agree that the metrics indicate that the higher ranking a person is, the less time it probably takes to process disability applications. I don't have any stats to support that statement but have had lots of enlisted friends who awaited their due process for a long, long time. That being said, the colonel in the article is still an exceptional leader who deserves the command, else the general officers above him would not have given him the command. They could have stuck him in a cubicle at the Pentagon but decided the Army needs to take advantage of his leadership acumen. The Army will be better off for its decision to install the colonel to command.
Sincerely, Retired Officer
Ridiculous. The amount of prejudice attributed to rank for benefits. My SGM served from E6 to E9 missing a leg below the knee and that was in the combat arms.
Although Marc Rich was pardoned by Holder. Not sure what his "rank" was .
This is the best news I've read in a long time! Hell yes to keeping a perfectly good soldier in the service! So what if he can't pass the RUN on an APFT.. he has proven himself he is a determined and MOTIVATED soldier and deserves to stay IN!
HUAH!
Terrible loss for winnable wars.
Our militarist foreign policy has been a tragically expensive series of failures.
Does anyone really think Iran would be a problem today if the US had not been waging
war against it since 1953 when the CIA overthrew Iran's elected president?
It is time bring our troops home from ALL foreign deployments before the costs
destroy the country.
Yup, your right. Not a real fan of our policy's in the 50's or 60's but at the time there was not much else we could have done other than startinga third world war, so we nibbled around the edges of the communist block in an effort to maintain a balance of power within the world, it worked for awhile having the largest military, now it's harder to get the kiddys to stop what their doing cause they don't respect us. Politicians create policy and the military is the sword of the policy. If you have a better idea which will allow us to remain free, would like to see it.
JEM your post has nothing to do with the colonel's command or his courage and persevarance. JEM you need to complain to the civilians who run the country. the military has never in the history of the USA decided which country to invade, which war to wage. you should complain to the civilians who make military policy decisions.
SIncerely
Retired Military Policy Writer
great news, congrats on the new gig sir
He's a hero, nothing less. Huah to you sir!
Congratulations Colonel Gadson!
I think everything should be extended to its logical conclusion. If everyone were given his or her own atomic bomb the world would be a much safer place.
One would hope that you do not live in the United States and enjoy the freedoms of this country that were earned by the sacrifice of men and women like Col Gadson. You Sir, are a leach.
Perhaps if that bomb were to fall on your house first, with you in it, the world would be a safer place.
Unfortunately, unless he lives way out in the boondocks, there would be collateral damage to his neighbors whom aren't as brain dead as he is. Unless they hit him with a mini, mini, mini, mini, backpack nuke. Then it might be acceptable.
You first...
I think of studs like this soldier every time I see some deadbeat transient claiming he can't work.
This news is not "new" it is 3 days old.
but whatever It is about time we stop throwing away perfectly capable military personnel just because in the line of duty they were wounded.
To be blunt the only "wounded" are the thoughtless SOB's that write stupid demeaning rules and regulations that do nothing but do further harm to fellow human beings - it is those jerks who are "wounded" and don't you forget it!!!!!! These jerks are right up their with people who pass law discriminating and demeaning women, ethnicity, orientation, or anything else in a so called free society - those that do in fact and in deed insult the thousands upon thousands of military personnel who paid the ultimate price to guarantee our "freedom".
Think about the dishonor these narrow minded individuals do on our military.
Congratulations Colonel, and thank you!
This reminds me of the Wehrmacht and the British military during World War II, featuring guys like one-armed General Hube, one-eyed SS General Hausser and Douglas Bader, the legless British flying ace. Things get like that when time and casualty rates put a strain on your war machine.
Specialist Strange, I do not think they are allowing him to stay in due to a " casualty rate strain ". The military is starting to down size again. They are not in need of recruits. They are in fact tightening the enlistment requirements and are turning away people they would have taken 3-5 years ago. They are keeping him because he is a squared away, knowledgeable officer whom wants to continue service to his country.
HUGE NY Giants fan, and part of the inspiration for XLII and XLVI victories! Congrats Colonel, and THANK YOU for your sacrifice. Sure hope there are stars in your future.!!
We all get knocked down during our trip on this earth. It's not about how we were knocked down, but how we get back up that's shows our true strength. His strength, and dedication to serving his country is more than admirable. I salute you sir!
AWESOME! Thanks, for wise words.
And he did a fine job in "Battleship"!
This is for SPINE BOB, it is obvious that you have no idea what you are talking about. A soldier who looses any limb, in the line of duty will automatically qukalify for veterans benefits. As for remaining on active duty, he can request to do so and each case is judged individually ona case by case basis. I know what I am talking about for I served 22 yrs in the Army and my position was in military hospitals advising soldiers of their rights for disability and to assist with VA claims.
A lot of amazing men and women in the U.S. military.
I'm happy for him..he did what he was told..he served our country..he went through the schooling ( most likely West Point) and others..glad he is in command of a Fort for the USA.
I will never understand why there are always posters who find something wrong in a feel good story like this and have nothing to do but complain. Their lives must really be terrible if all they have to do is sit around and complain. I am a retired veteran and but for the grace of God, I could be in Colonel Gadson's prosthetics. Curr Ahee Colonel!!
Because unfortunately, negativity is popular. If you can't be negative about everything you're doing it wrong.
Spine Bob: I was thinking the same way you where. There does not seem to be a fair decision as to which wounded war fighters are allowed (if they chose) to stay in the Service. Seems more like a system where friends take care of friends (typically the Officers) and all others are forced out and then are subjected to the sub-standard medical treatment at the VA's. Yes, this Colonel is still a valuable asset to the Army, but so are so many of the enlisted or less connected Officers who where not given the "desk jobs" that would allow them to also stay on active duty.
Depends on which VA you go to. I live in North Carolina - where you can marry your cousin provided it's not your gay cousin - and I can't say enough good things about my doctors and nurses. The care we receive in my area is exceptional.
Each case stands on its own merit and is adjudicated individually. Most double amputees probably don't want to stay on active duty. He was probably a lt col when he was injured so severely; not many lt cols lose both of their legs, so there probably isn't a waiting line of high ranking, double amputee officers, petitioning to stay on active duty.
The colonel is an installation commander. I'd bet tons of cash (if i had any) that the vast majority of people wouldn't be able to keep pace with him in a day. He's not in a desk job ... at that level command is not a desk job.
Retired military
Good for him. Seriously. But can he pass a PT test, or does he get a pass?
He's an Army 0-6 who could probably run most peoples butts into the ground. After all these years and despite great setbacks, the colonel's still kicking some serious ars in the US Army. That takes courage, true grit. OBTW, the fitness standards for someone his age (whatever that might be) are not the same as that of a 20 year old's. People age and slow down -- can't run those miles as fast, can do as many pull ups or push ups. I doubt he gets a pass only because he probably wouldn't take a pass if offered to him. He turned down military retirement with disability, for gosh sakes.
I am confident that Greg could probably do more push ups than most 20 year olds. He played football at West Point and he has been committed to keeping in shape his entire career. He has prosthetics. Did you not see the guy with prosthetics who wanted to compete for an olympics spot?
Unless you know a situation personally Bluto II, I suggest you keep to your saluatations and that's it.
Bhluto, Don't you have someplace to go and play with yourself? This is a serious discussion amongst most people who revere our U.S. military, and we don't need scum like you interjecting your vile remarks.
As retired military, I visit the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio almost every week. When my wife and I see these double and sometimes triple amputees, I often think of George Warmonger Bush who, along with his Crew, lied and deceived us into two wars.
Sorry to digress, but this is a truly great story that will hopefully encourage those who qualify to remain in service as they deserve it.
I commend both Col. Gadson and the U.S. military for this measure which will give hope to other military amputees. Intelligence and split thinking doesn't always require limbs.
"...serious discussion amongst most people who revere our U.S. military..."
Getting your ass kissed in public isn't in the package but you're free to go impress the seventh-graders.
He could probably out run you...what an ugly thing to say there Bluto.
Well done sir, Gods speed.
and I got tossed out for being 8 pounds overweight. i should have just cut off my legs.
you would have been thrown out for your sullen attitude.
Sorry man, but as an eleven year JTAC veteran-I assure you your 8 pounds wasn't what got you "tossed out".
@big dave--I could lose 8 pounds in a week. I guess you didn't want it bad enough! Let's be honest...it really wasn't 8 pounds. We both know that the military works on body fat percentages. We both know that those percentages are pretty liberal. Face it...look in the mirror...that's who is responsible.
Lay off the Ding Dongs and Twinkies.
By Army height/weight standards and BMI, ( body mass index ), I was always overweight and I retired with 26 years in. The military works on BFP, ( body fat percentage ). I am 6'3", 237 lbs. but my BFP has always been in the low teens even though the BMI said 28 %. You had other problems than a measley 8 lbs.
Big Dave, Does that refer to your swollen head and deference toward the respect of this man, who in my eyes is a blessing for those suffering the same disabilities? Just what are you big in Dave other than BS?
Congratulations Sir!
I had the honor of pushing Col. Gadson’s wheel chair during a Wounded Warriors Parade in the Pentagon, while I was working there as a contractor after 9/11. I discovered that he had played football at West Point. I later read that Greg Gadson was “the toughest linebacker” to ever play for Army.
Those Wounded Warriors Parades were an unforgettable experience to anybody that attended. Young wounded soldiers with wives & young kids, missing limbs, eyes, or with other serious injuries.
As an 11 year JTAC veteran, I bet if he was white he wouldn't have been allowed to remain in the military. And especially never take command.
Sure, ROB, because he's black the medical board decided he could continue to serve. Sure thing. And I'm so sure women and minorities are favored in selection for command positions over caucasian males. I'm sure of it. Please stop wasting my air.
Rob..the only thing you served in my book is your ...BUTT..wiping it with paper!
To many like you wantabe's..who never were military... online these days..they fake it galore!!!
A true soldier respects his higher ups!
Rob, you are a true @!$%# bag for even trying to bring race into a discussion about a true warrior wanting to continue service to his nation. Some of the most high speed, squared away soldiers I ever had the pleasure of sharing a foxhole or wadi with were black. Do yourself a favor, think about what you post before you post it. You'll look like less of an ass, ( if that is at all possible ).
Rob, On Yahoo, if I find a remark extremely offensive, I can request that it be deleted, but here on MSN I don't have that ability and must read it and read your drivel. Having served in two wars, Korea and Vietnam, I had, as both an enlisted man and an officer in command of units, the privilege of serving with Black officers above me and Black NCO's working for me. They never disappointed me, as in almost every case, they were professionals and did their jobs as others did. What is your problem guy?
ROB, I don't know if your claim of being an 11 year JTAC veteran is true, so I won't comment. But, you do not know Col Greg Gadson. I have known Greg for 28 years. He has the qualities of a great leader. For you to judge him based on his skin color is a reflection of your flawed character.
Congratulations! what a inspiration your are Sir! Best of luck to you in your new command