Gregory D. Gadson

Colonel (Retired) Gregory D. Gadson, a Chesapeake, Virginia native, served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. His distinguished career culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of a post supporting more than 50,000 military personnel and employees. Under his leadership, Fort Belvoir provided logistical, intelligence, medical, administrative, and command support to over 140 Department of Defense commands and agencies.

Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of Field Artillery from West Point in 1989, Col. Gadson 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. His service was marked by dedication to leading Soldiers, civilians, and military families while upholding the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

In May 2007, while serving as Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery in Iraq, Col. Gadson’s convoy was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The attack cost him both legs above the knees and severely injured his right arm and hand. Despite these life-changing injuries, he remained on active duty, inspiring countless others with his example of courage, perseverance, determination, and teamwork. He continued to embody the lessons of Pride, Poise, and Team, instilled in him during his time as a West Point linebacker, and carried them into his life, career, and family.

Col. Gadson retired from the Army in 2014 but has remained a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, testifying before Congress on multiple occasions. His story reached new audiences in 2007 when New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin invited him to speak to the team. Col. Gadson’s powerful message of service and resilience was credited by players and coaches as a source of inspiration during their historic run to victory in the 2008 Super Bowl. Since then, he has continued mentoring the Giants and sharing his message with sports teams, corporations, nonprofits, and government organizations across the country.

Expanding beyond the military and motivational speaking, Col. Gadson also pursued acting, most notably starring in the 2012 film Battleship as Lieutenant Colonel Mick Canales. He is an avid photographer and author of Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Toward Peace and Purpose (2023).

As an Ambassador for the Robert Irvine Foundation, Col. Gadson looks forward to sharing his story and advancing the Foundation’s mission to support veterans, service members, first responders, and their families.