Today, Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson took over leadership of the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2), a six-year-old program that provides personalized support to severely wounded, ill and injured soldiers and veterans, as well as their families.
AW2 Director Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson took over leadership of the Army Wounded Warrior Program on July 13.
But Lt. Col. Gadson is not your typical commander. He knows first-hand the importance of the AW2 program.
Lt. Col. Gadson was the commander of 2nd Battalion, 32 Field Artillery in Iraq when on the evening of May 7, 2007 he was severely wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device. Lt. Col. Gadson lost both legs and normal use of his right arm and hand as a result of the IED attack. Rather than allowing his injuries control his life, Lt. Col. Gadson pushed forward and became a living example of Army strength and determination.
Lt. Col. Gadson’s leadership and experience with the AW2 program will provide him with the perfect amount of perspective needed to command the program and show the way forward.
“As an alumni of AW2’s support, I know first-hand the value that the Army Wounded Warrior Program brings to the long term success of wounded soldiers. This is the perfect place for me to serve, and I am honored to have this mission,” said AW2 Director Lt. Col. Gadson. “For our severely wounded, ill and injured soldiers and veterans, AW2 provides an umbrella of expertise that helps foster the independence that leads to long-term success. For me, AW2’s personalized support led to my continued service in the Army.”
For more information about the program, you can visit the AW2 website, or check out the program’s blog at http://aw2.armylive.dodlive.mil/.
Praise God for men like you!! I am glad to be called an American!! Thank you for your service, my prayers go out to you and your family!!
A hero in charge of a group of heroes. The only surprising fact is that the Army Wounded Warrior Program has only been existence for 6 years.
Congrats to Greg Gadson. Another great choice by our Army. Proud of you Greg!
Congrats to Lt. Colonel Gadson on taking command of AW2!
I heard him interviewed on the radio a few days ago and he sounds like an excellent choice to lead this Program.
Check out this story about the Sergeant that saved Gadson’s life:
http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/08/11/25728-wounded-warrior-promotes-his-hero-to-sergeant/index.html
“One Team!”
LTC Gadson,
Wishing you the best in a most important assignment. You are certainly hard charging and will be an outstanding role model.
I can think of no better example of the Army’s commitment to its soldiers than to have established this unique program for their welfare, their families, and to deliver the best services for rehabiliation.
Congratulations. Hooha!
Yours Truly,
Bob Sempek
U.S. Army Retired
I think AW2 program is a great project, but recently read infos at bbc news that the UK government stopped benefit for an amputee soldier, Pte Aron Shelton, 26, from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, had his leg amputated in 2008 after he was hurt in an explosion in Helmand Province in 2007…