At the Grit Ganache and Gadson fundraiser to benefit the Mental Health Association of Indian River County, Col. Gregory Gadson, U.S. Army (ret.) shared his inspirational story of overcoming unthinkable challenges after losing both legs to a roadside bomb while serving in Bagdad on May 7, 2007.
Roughly 300 guests attended the event last Tuesday evening at the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts at Saint Edward’s School, including members of the Sebastian River High School football team and Vero Beach High School ROTC, and numerous veterans.
The audience sat riveted as the West Point graduate spoke about his incredible journey of recovery and resiliency. Gadson became one of the first military personnel to use a technologically advanced, powered prosthetic knee after the explosion which almost took his life. Despite being eligible for medical retirement, he went on to assume command of the Fort Belvoir, Va., installation.
Gadson followed up his talk with a wide-ranging Q & A, tackling such queries as why he enlisted and what inspired him – and whether he thought Army would ever beat Navy on the gridiron. “Absolutely!” said Gadson enthusiastically, injecting a touch of humor into a night filled with solemn emotion.
Gadson played football at West Point and after his near-fatal injury, friend Mike Sullivan, then a coach with the New York Giants, asked him to speak to the team. Gadson’s inspiring talk earned him a specially minted Super Bowl XLII ring after the team beat the New England Patriots, and he continues to play a role as a team mentor even today.
Many of the students in the audience recognized him from the feature film “Battleship,” where he had a role which won him critical acclaim as a paraplegic war hero helping to fight aliens.
When Gadson spoke about mental health, he acknowledged that he initially refused any counseling at Walter Reed Hospital.
“For 48 hours I prayed to God to take me, but then I realized I had a choice to live,” said Gadson. “I had to give everything I had to get where I was going. Most importantly, God, my family, my friends and my team got me through.”
Gadson said that it took more courage to ask for help and none to not ask. He was most proud when someone told him they had seen him on the screen and it inspired them to get their life together.
“Sometimes it is uncomfortable, but you have a chance to build character and strive to live up to the best you can be. We all have to do our part to share our stories and live by example,” Gadson explained.
“Faith is also important in recovery. I tell the kids, if you don’t have faith, it’s like getting into an accident and not having 911 to call.”
Afterwards guests had a chance to speak personally to the colonel as they enjoyed champagne and delectable desserts at a reception catered by Adrienne Drew.
“This event kicks off our May Mental Health Month,” said MHA Executive Director Dr. Bob Brugnoli. “I find it interesting to note that 65 years ago the very first Mental Health of America campaign was to raise awareness of returning veterans from World War II. And now we continue to focus attention on making people aware that help is available for those that are struggling.”
“If you were not inspired tonight, you are not human,” said Col. Tony Young, who introduced Gadson. “Col. Gadson has gone through enormous adversity and yet is a great force in healing.”
“I am so happy to have seen the community come out tonight,” said board member Kathie Pierce after the successful evening. “Colonel Gadson was great and he got our biggest point across – that it really is OK to get help.”