Roseline Twagiramariya
Staff writer
The Leader June 26, 2009
Standing tall and proud with the help of bionic legs, Lt. Col. Greg Gadson delivered a message Monday emphasizing commitment and the importance of not giving up when he spoke to Co. B 1/46th Inf. Cadets at Waybur Theater.
He also took the time to thank and commend the Cadets on their decision to attend the Leader’s Training Course.
“Whatever your motivation may be, the bottom line is, you’ve made a decision to serve your country and I applaud you for that,” Gadson said. “In these days and time, that decision is not to be taken lightly.”
Gadson added that it was by making a such decision that sets them on a lifelong process.
“I can tell you after 21 years in the service,” Gadson said, “you never stop learning and you never stop leading.”
As Cadets go through training, he added, they have to live every day to its fullest. They have an obligation to make the most of their time at LTC life doesn’t offer a do-over button.
He called this commitment.
“Being a Soldier is a passion in your heart and soul, because as future leaders you have to be committed,” Gadson said. “It’s mission first and people always, and your Soldiers will see what kind of leader you are and see if your words match your actions.”
For Gadson, it was this same commitment between Soldiers that helped save his life. When he was found on the side of the road in Baghdad, unconscious and lying in a pool of his own blood, it was the courage, will and commitment to each other that helped revive him. Most of all, it was the kind of skills training like LTC helped develop, and the Cadets were reminded of how important their time at Fort Knox would be to their futures as Army leaders.
Gadson also talked about the importance of not giving up. He described a time when he felt sorry for himself and felt like quitting. Even though these were natural feelings after what he had been through and survived, what didn’t feel right was giving up.
“It wasn’t me,” Gadson said.
Gadson never intended for his story to become an inspiration to others but he couldn’t avoid it either. Today, he is helping remind people that when they think things are tough, to remember there is always more they can give. It was that same message he brought to the New York Giants before last year’s Super Bowl, which led to him being named the inspirational co-captain and granted a Super bowl ring.
When a Cadet asked if Gadson thinks he has given enough to his country, he responded by saying that thought hadn’t crossed his mind. He would do it all over again and would not change a thing.
Looking over the room full of Bravo Co. Cadets, he talked about the time he once sat in the very same seats and thanked them for the commitment they are making to their country.
“I look at you all as our future and what I see in you is promise,” Gadson said. “Although you may not think you make a difference sometimes, you are.”
Lt. Col. Greg Gadson speaks Monday to Co. B 1/46th Inf. Cadets at Waybur Theater. Gadson uses his experience in Iraq to help motivate others. Photo by Chen Wang
