Double-Amputee Active Duty Soldier Takes Charge of Army Wounded Warrior Program

Arlington, VA —Today, Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson took over the 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. Gadson’s 22-year military career began at West Point with a field artillery commission and includes several combat tours, most recently as a battalion commander in Iraq, where an improvised explosive device (IED) resulted in the amputation of both his legs. Lt. Col. Gadson was recently selected for promotion to the rank of Colonel.

“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. Gregory 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.”

AW2, a component of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC), provides each severely wounded soldier – such as those with amputations, burns, paralysis, vision loss, post traumatic stress disorder, or traumatic brain injury–with a local AW2 Advocate. The AW2 Advocate’s role is to foster the soldier’s independence as they learn to adapt to their injury and transition to life post-injury, whether that is back to duty or into civilian status. The AW2 Advocate connects the soldier with resources, benefits and information, and also provides a shoulder to lean on or motivation to keep them moving forward.

“Having served twice with Lt. Col. Gadson in Afghanistan, I know there is no better leader for this program. He understands soldiers, knows the challenges faced by our severely wounded, and is eager to build on AW2's proven success,” stated Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, WTC commander.

WTC, a major subordinate command under the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM), serves as the central comprehensive source for warrior care support across the Army. Its mission is to develop, coordinate and integrate the Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program for wounded, ill and injured soldiers, veterans, and their families in order to promote future success in the force or in civilian live.

Col. Jim Rice, the outgoing AW2 director, will now serve as the Chief, Health Service Support Directorate on the Joint Staff. In this role he will coordinate medical support for all the services to combatant commanders around the world.