Fort Bragg, N.C. – (March 13, 2021) The 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade hosted both a meet and greet and Resiliency Leader Professional Development training with Col. (Ret.) Gregory D. Gadson, March 12, 2021, at the 82nd Airborne Division Command Conference Room.
Gadson spoke to about 100 Paratroopers while practicing social distancing, explaining the importance of what it takes to be a resilient individual in the Army. Soldiers in attendance also had the opportunity to meet with him one on one, to have questions answered about his experiences and challenges he may have faced along the way.
Another topic discussed was suicide amongst Soldiers. It is imperative that Soldiers know that they have a support system and in the event that they need help, they know where to seek it.
“I’m just trying to pay it forward, there was a generation that did the same for me” said Gadson. “Now it’s my turn to share my experiences with this generation.”
Leadership starts with leading from the front. When Soldiers see resiliency within their leader, they are more inclined to hone those same leadership qualities. Leader professional development gives people important leadership skills to focus on and helps them become a more effective leader, building upon their communication, motivation and decision making skills.
“Leader professional development training is important because it helps leaders to realize their leadership potential, which in hindsight, brings out the best in their squad or team” said Col. Herman L. Johnson, Commander, 82nd ADSB.
“Resiliency is very important because we have a critical mission in wartime, so we have to be able to get through the distractors or things that will hinder us from being our best, because when the nation calls, we have to be ready to go at a moment’s notice, we are the American guardian of freedom” said Johnson.
Gadson served 26 years in the U.S. Army and knows all too well about resiliency, where he has faced his own set of challenges. His greatest challenge was in 2007 while deployed to Iraq, where an improvised explosive device (IED), cost him both his legs. Although faced with major adversity, Gadson did not allow this life changing event to stop him. He now travels conus to numerous military installations, sharing his story about how to overcome obstacles, while encouraging Soldiers through his motivational speeches.
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