Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, the Iraq war veteran who has become a part of the Giants' inner circle this season, it was impossible not to react. 
I know we're supposed to be objective and impartial observers when we go about our duties in the field of journalism, but while researching and interviewing people for my story in today's newspaper about
Listening to this man's brush with death on the streets of Baghdad, and the moving tributes from his friends, Giants players and coaches, it was difficult not to become emotional. Regardless of your opinion of the controversial war, the experiences of the people in it - especially the ones like Gadson, whose lives are forever altered because of what they go through - are intensely emotional and humanize the situation.
Gadson has had a profound effect on the Giants by sharing his experiences and attending games on the sidelines throughout the playoffs. He will be there again on Sunday in the greatest game of all.
I know we joke around on this blog an awful lot, but please take a moment and read this man's story. He truly is an inspiration.
Comments (7)
Great piece...now we're supposed to care about a football game?
Lt. Col. Gadson is truly an inspiration...everyday life is not about winning and losing, but about having the courage and perseverance to conquer the most difficult of odds.
BG,
I've read about Lt. Col. Gadsen several times in the past few weeks because a co-worker of mine is a former Army classmate of his and a good friend of Mike Sullivan's. Gadsen was officially dead (no heartbeat) several times and spent time in Germany for surgery that he was never even aware of because he never gained consciousness while in Germany. It's a great story and Gadsen's attitude toward his ordeal is amazing. I hope he can come up with one more inspiring message for the G-Men this week and lead them to victory. back page???
Great story, Bob,
Thanks for introducing Lt. Col Gadsen to those of use not aware of him.
Prior to reading it, my sole motivation in rooting for the Giants was to root against the Pats. Now I will root for the Giants too.
Thanks Bob for that great story. What an inspirational story and a blessing to read how the Giants have rallied around him as he has been an inspiration to them. I enjoyed seeing him and his son at the Packer game enjoying the moment.
Posted by Cincy | January 29, 2008 15:11 I can certainly understand why many are anxious for some additional Islander news... (all-star game, DP's expletive injury, etc.). But I think we should ease up on Logan a bit. From my understanding, the guy has been off since BEFORE the all-star game on Sunday (recall that he's being asked to use up about 143 years worth of comp time in the next few months), and part of that time has been sick time. His absense is evident from Mark Hermann's name on the latest blog post.
this is right. don't blame logan for a lack of coverage. everyone works for someone (everyone i know anyway) and logan works for newsday. if the only reporting we get is from logan while he supposed to be off, its the paper's fault.
And now for something completely different (did the blog hiccup?)
I concur with DC - thank you for introducing him to us. I had been wondering about his story. It really is amazing how some connections end up being so beneficial to all.
But you're rooting for the wrong team, DC.