TOWSON, Md. – Retired United States Army colonel and former garrison commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir Gregory Gadson spent time with Towson University athletics Wednesday.
 
Gadson is also a bilateral above-the-knee amputee, occasional actor and motivational speaker.
 
He spoke with the Towson football squad, women's lacrosse team and men's basketball team as well as several Towson employees during a professional development luncheon. Gadson's messages of poise, leadership, loyalty, trust, empowering others and accountability resonated with everybody.
 
"His message was important to hear, not even from a team standpoint but personally to just persevere through adversity," senior men's basketball player Alex Thomas said. "No matter what you go through life there's going to be trials and tribulations, but to persevere and know that you're not alone. It was a blessing to have the opportunity to listen to him."
 
Gadson spoke to the Towson staff about leadership and making decisions while taking actions that line up with the values of the organization you are representing. He also encouraged leaders to empower those they lead.
 
While talking with men's basketball, Gadson shared the story of his injury. While returning from a memorial service for two soldiers from his brigade, he lost both his legs and severely injured his right arm to a roadside bomb in Baghdad in 2007.
 
"It was such a special moment for our team to meet and hear today from Colonel Gadson," Towson women's lacrosse head coach Sonia LaMonica said. "What an inspiring human being who captured so perfectly the ingredients necessary to be a true team. His story is captivating and his message is so clear, it will no doubt leave a lasting impact for our squad and beyond."
 
Gadson played football at West Point between 1985 and 1988, wearing the No. 98 jersey. Towson Deputy Director of Athletics Will Huff was a teammate of Gadson's.
 
In 2007, Gadson was present when the New York Giants beat the Washington Redskins at FedExField at the invitation of West Point classmate Mike Sullivan, who was then on the coaching staff of the New York Giants.
 
That victory was the beginning of a 10-game road winning streak and came after Gadson had made an inspirational speech to the team. The streak culminated in the Giants winning Super Bowl XLII and in recognition for his contribution, Gadson received a specially minted Super Bowl ring. Gadson has since remained with the Giants as a motivational speaker.
 
"You can't live yesterday or tomorrow, so put the most into everything you have to do today," said Gadson during his message to the men's basketball team. "Be the best you can be in everything and you never have to worry. Stay in the moment and push yourself. Hold yourself accountable before holding others accountable."