The FourBlock Podcast

"When you have diverse candidates from varying backgrounds, that brings diversity of thought, and that diversity of thought spurs innovation. In order to continue to thrive as an organization, you need to be innovative." A U.S. Air Force Veteran with more than 20 years of military recruiting experience, Launia Terry, M.S., SHRM-SCP, has devoted her career both during and after military service to human resources, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. This week, Launia joins hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams on the FourBlock Podcast to share some of the challenges she faced in her own transition and provide expert insights and actionable advice for organizations who want to take steps to go from being "military-friendly" to truly "military-ready" for veterans in their workforce. Launia discusses why diversity and inclusion in the workplace is so important and offers guidance for those interested in pursuing career pathways in the diversity and inclusion field. As for why she continues to give back to the veteran community despite her busy schedule, Launia says, "I had such a difficult time with my transition, that if I can help one veteran to have a much smoother transition...I feel like I'm making a huge impact." In addition to serving as FourBlock's Diversity and Inclusion Leader as well as a Career Readiness Instructor for the Philadelphia Career Readiness Program, Launia is the Director of Corporate Talent Acquisition for Day & Zimmermann, a century-old, family-owned company specializing in construction & engineering, operations & maintenance, staffing, security and defense for leading corporations and governments around the world. Launia joined Day & Zimmermann in September 2016 and has held several progressive roles. In her current position, she leads the talent acquisition function by providing strategic insight into the full lifecycle of recruiting staff employees, diversity recruiting initiatives, and relationship building between hiring managers, HR business partners, and candidates. Launia has a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management from Park University and a master's degree in Human Resources Development from Villanova University. A recently retired U.S. Air Force Veteran, Launia has more than 20 years of recruiting experience.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week, we welcome U.S. Army Veteran and XcelMil, LLC Founder and CEO Melody Gratic to the FourBlock Podcast. In an inspiring and informative conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Melody reflects on some of the highlights and lessons learned from her longtime military service, her experience as a Black woman leader in the military, and her transition from the military to the civilian workforce. She recalls her path to becoming an entrepreneur and shares actionable advice for service members preparing to transition and organizations that want to hire them.

Melody's story began in poverty-stricken apartments of Panama City, FL, where she developed several distinct qualities: discipline, passion, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to achieve her dreams.

Determined to defy statistics, Melody resolved to join the U.S. Army in order to serve her country and pursue her education. She believes these two objectives fueled her desire to further achieve the American Dream by venturing into entrepreneurship.

Melody went on to serve for 24 years in the U.S. Army in a number of roles and positions in operations and training management to include the Operations Manager of U.S. Army Garrison Brussels and Instructor Facilitator of the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy.

Upon her transition, Melody served in the White House Transportation Agency under President George Bush, Jr. and President Barak Obama. She went on to start her own business, XcelMil, LLC, which offers a suite of professional and intellectual services to educate and develop leaders. Under her leadership, XcelMil, LLC supports the staff at Virginia Career Works and their affiliate programs. She is an active member of the Fredericksburg Society of Human Resources; Association for Talent Development; and The Women's Business Enterprise National Council.

Melody currently collaborates with Government Contractors in the Professional Services Industry on projects related to multiple generations in the workplace specifically, Millennials, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement and retention, workplace conflict and veteran/military spouse hiring initiatives.

Melody received a Master of Educational Leadership in Administration from Trident International University. She has also reviewed, edited and provided insight to a number of published authors. She is a proud wife, godmother, aunt and resides in the Northern Virginia area.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, hundreds of FourBlock students, alumni, and community members from across the country tuned in live to celebrate the transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses who graduated from FourBlock's Spring 2021 Career Readiness Program and to commemorate FourBlock's 10th Anniversary in the organization's first-ever national livestreamed event. This week, you can hear the full event on this episode of the podcast!

To kick off the evening, we were honored to have General Charles C. Krulak (USMC, Ret.), 31st Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and FourBlock Honorary Chairman share opening remarks, and the event featured a special keynote fireside chat with former U.S. Army Officer and Bridgewater Associates CEO David McCormick, moderated by retired U.S. Army Colonel and Citigroup Managing Director John Tien.

Hosted by FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, the event also featured remarks from partner representatives and alumni from our Veteran and Military Spouse Career Readiness Programs, including: Ruth Christopherson, Senior Vice President, Community Development, Citi; Angel Reyes, a Fall 2020 FourBlock Career Readiness Program Alumni and Incoming Financial Analyst, Citi; Susan Reitano Davey and Kelley Biskupiak, Co-Founders of Prepare 2 Launch U and leads of the FourBlock-PLTU Military Spouse Program; and Becky Blamires, Military Spouse Program Graduate. Thank you the entire FourBlock community for supporting our mission and those we serve for 10 incredible years! We sincerely look forward to continuing to work alongside you in the years ahead to make sure every single veteran and military spouse can make a successful transition and begin a new and meaningful civilian career.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams reflects on how the challenge of transitioning from active service to a civilian career is not unique to this generation of veterans.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

In honor of Military Appreciation Month this May, we have a very special podcast episode to share this week! In this episode, we welcome our Southeast Regional Director Roger Roley and three of his current FourBlock Career Readiness Program students, who are all retiring U.S. Army Colonels. These three Colonels started out their military careers together when they were Lieutenants with Command Sergeant Major Roger Roley!

While all started out as Armor Officers, their military careers took them down very different paths. Now, they have gotten back together with their Senior Enlisted Advisor to make a successful military transition. Back for a 'second tour' with Roger as they transition out, Colonels Sean Fisher, Ken Gilliam, and Ed Weakley joined Roger and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams for a group discussion of their military careers, their transitions, and what's next.

Sean, Ken, and Ed recall what they learned early in their military careers from enlisted soldiers, what drove them to become leaders themselves, and the impact that mentorship had on their military careers. The group also shares it was like to get reconnected all these years later through FourBlock, some of the ways they sought guidance and support as they prepare to make their transitions, and what's next for them in their civilian careers.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"It is not a sense of weakness to ask for help."

A U.S. Army veteran with more than 21 years of service, Santiago Leon knows first-hand the challenges that veterans may face when transitioning back home after the military, and why you shouldn't make the transition alone. This week on the FourBlock Podcast, he recounts his military experience and shares what it was like to complete multiple deployments with young children at home.

Santiago recalls his transition back home, sharing some of the challenges he faced, why it was so hard to admit he needed help, how he eventually found his way in the civilian workforce, and how that led him to devoting his career to helping other veterans find meaningful employment today.

Santiago also talks about his current role with Wounded Warrior Project and the free resources and services that the organization provides. As a Warriors to Work Specialist for Wounded Warrior Project, Santiago's focus is on helping service members, veterans, and their family support members find meaningful employment. Santiago has worked in the workforce development field for over 10 years and was selected as a key speaker for the 2015 National Employment Network Association Annual Conference and the 2015 California Workforce Association Annual Conference.

Santiago currently serves as a Board Member for the Wounded Warrior Support Network, Vice Chair for the Veterans Employment Committee of San Diego County, Career Readiness Instructor for FourBlock, and Ambassador for the Travis Manion Foundation.

Santiago continues to serve in the Army Reserves as Senior Instructor for the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, training the next generation of military leaders.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"[Servant leadership] is something I know the military brings and veterans bring to the table every single day."

Having served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain before transitioning to a longtime career at Mercedes Benz and now the Chief Executive Officer of AMB Sports + Entertainment, Stephen Cannon knows and appreciates who veterans are, what they stand for, and the value that they bring to organizations as employees.

This week, we are honored to welcome Stephen Cannon to the FourBlock Podcast, where he shares details from his own military experience and transition, recounts how he landed his first job out of the military and worked his way up to CEO, and why he continues to give back to the military community, using his platform to "shine a spotlight on the service and sacrifice that goes on every single day."

Among Atlanta Business Chronicles 2019 Most Admired CEO's, Stephen Cannon serves as the chief executive officer of AMB Sports + Entertainment (AMBSE) assuming the day-to-day leadership of Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS), Atlanta Falcons Football Club, United Soccer Properties and PGA TOUR Superstore. AMBSE serves as a for-profit holding group under the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses. Prior to joining AMBSE in 2016, Cannon served as president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and was responsible for leading operations that generated record sales with annual revenues exceeding $20 billion.

Cannon has led the evolution of Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) since its doors opened in August 2017. Home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, MBS has hosted a record-setting number of large sports and entertainment events including Super Bowl LIII in 2019, the College Football Playoff Championship game in 2018 and will host NCAA Men's Final Four in March 2020. Under Cannon's leadership, MBS was the first professional sports stadium in North America to achieve LEED Platinum Certification by the United States Green Building Council and MBS Food & Beverage Experience was honored as Sports Breakthrough of the Year 2018 by Sports Business Journal for its record-breaking, affordable fanfare pricing.

Cannon, the 2020 NFL Salute to Service Award recipient and among the top-three finalist across the 32 NFL teams in 2019, has led efforts to make the Atlanta Falcons' military outreach efforts the benchmark in the NFL. In 2018, Cannon and former Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn, spearheaded the first NFL team-directed USO Tour, visiting soldiers at various bases throughout Iraq and Kuwait. A tireless supporter of America's military and military families, Cannon alongside his fellow West Point classmates, founded the Johnny Mac Soldiers fund in 2014. The organization honors military service and sacrifice by providing scholarships to veterans and military family members, particularly children of our nation's fallen and disabled. What began as a small effort to help one fallen classmate's family has grown into an organization that has raised more than $17 million. Cannon also serves on the national board of directors for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors).

Cannon graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986 and was Airborne Ranger qualified and served as First Lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain. During his time in the Army, he also served five years as an artillery officer. A two-time lettered wrestler at West Point, The National Wrestling Hall of Fame named Cannon the 2019 Outstanding American, an honor given to leaders who have used the disciplines of wrestling to launch distinguished careers in other walks of life.

Cannon and his wife, Ann, reside in Atlanta and are the parents of nine children.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"Baseball is the sport of the present moment and of mindfulness."

This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams shares an opinion piece about baseball and how it is the best teacher of mindfulness, slowing down, and living in the present moment. The article, titled Baseball lets fans dwell in present and feel safe at home, was written by Diane Cameron and published by from the Albany Times-Union upon the start of baseball season in 2018.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

On this week's episode of the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome FourBlock alumnus Brian Arrington, USAF (ret), M.S., CEO and Founder of VETS2INDUSTRY LLC and VETS2INDUSTRY Foundation Inc. and a Business Initiatives Consultant with Wells Fargo.

Brian joins host Mike Abrams to discuss his 20-year service in the Air Force, his military retirement and transition, and his subsequent work creating VETS2INDUSTRY to help more veterans and their families get connected with the resources and benefits available to them and to ensure the success of every veteran and their families after military service. VETS2INDUSTRY provides a free online library that of all the free veteran and dependent resources and Veteran Service Organizations nationwide.

Since founding VETS2INDUSTRY in 2019, nearly 1,000 vetted resources have been added on vets2industry.com, and the community has grown to more than 35,000 followers on LinkedIn alone.

Brian retired in July of 2019 after serving 20 years in the United States Air Force with Robins AFB, GA as his final duty station. His distinguished career led him to deploy to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Qatar and provide humanitarian relief throughout Southeast Asia during the tsunami, Haiti during the earthquake, and in Turkey supporting refugee evacuations during the Israel-Lebanon Mideast Crisis. Brian's career has taken him to 90 countries and five of the seven continents.

In his last year of 20-years devoted service to the U.S. Air Force, Brian learned there were over 45,000 Veteran Service Organizations nationwide that provided free services and support to U.S. military families and realized a huge gap existed between available free Veteran, Military Spouse, and dependent children resources and benefits and the knowledge of their existence among our nation's heroes and their families.

With this newly discovered knowledge, Brian vowed to eliminate the knowledge gap and ensure the success of every veteran and their families by creating an online library, a free single-site repository of every free Veteran Service Organization to include providing mentorship and information services to each knowledge-seeker.

Since the library's creation, March 2019, Brian has led VETS2INDUSTRY's growth by reaching 7,000 veterans and military spouses with over 20,000 page-views and he continues to supply employment opportunity success with the ever-growing grassroots volunteer force of veterans and military spouses he leads.

Brian is married with six children and resides in Atlanta. He is an active alumnus of Centurion Military Alliance, Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program, FourBlock, and American Corporate Partners. He volunteers with VETLANTA and the National Black MBA Association Atlanta Chapter, and he is a student veteran leader and student ambassador at Syracuse University where he is currently pursuing his MBA.

He holds two A.A.S. from the Community College of the Air Force, a B.A. in History, a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, and a M.S. in Management from Thomas Edison State University and is a certified Georgia State Hostage Negotiator.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"Even in my moment of deepest despair, I couldn't quit, because that wasn't who I was. That wasn't how I was wired."

In an incredibly inspiring two-episode series, Colonel Gregory D. Gadson recounts his experience serving our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years; the harrowing injury that nearly took his life and cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand; his remarkable recovery and what got him through it; and his subsequent career as an actor, entrepreneur, artist, and advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities. Col. Gadson's story serves as inspiration for us all to be a force for positive change in our own communities.

In the two-part interview, Gol. Gadson also discusses his experience and shares insights on issues that are top of mind pertaining to diversity and inclusion. In 2020, he was one of 12 veterans from exceptionally diverse backgrounds who came together to co-found diversitypop™, a new, effective, unbiased learning technology and mobile app and the world's first self-paced diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning & engagement application.

After having accomplished so much in his life in so many different realms, Col. Gadson shares why he continues to give back to this day: "There's no more mountains for me to climb, no more dragons for me to slay. So now it's about paying it forward.... It's about preparing the next generation to deal with the problems that they're going to have to deal with."

A Chesapeake, Va. native, Col. Gadson, served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. His service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense.

A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson's life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson's greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by the proverbial "hail of bullets," he has since drawn upon the lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and applied them to his life, career and family.

Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Col. Gadson served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served in various assignments throughout the world and dedicated himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian employees and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. He is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testified before Congress on issues related to these groups.

In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Col. Gadson to meet with the then-struggling team. He talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance and adversity. His message resonated and the New York Giants defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. He made his silver screen debut in 2012 as a lead actor in the blockbuster movie Battleship; where he portrayed a war-injured veteran that helped save the world from an alien invasion.

Col. Gadson continues a very energetic and dynamic lifestyle where he continues to serve his nation as an entrepreneur and managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company. He continues acting, currently in The Inspectors, a family television series on CBS. He is also an accomplished photographer/artist and remains active in cycling, skiing and scuba.

Col. Gadson serves on the Board of Directors for MedTechVets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets' network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans.

Col. Gadson's military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Stars (3); Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal (3) and the Army Commendation Medal (3). He is a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds master's degrees in Information Systems from Webster University and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Law from Webster University.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.