The J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year Luncheon will feature Keynote Speaker Col. Gregory D. Gadson Thursday, Aug. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, 315 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport
This annual celebration, sponsored by the J. Pat Beaird Memorial Fund, recognizes a corporate entity from the Greater Shreveport area for their outstanding business achievements and offers the opportunity for the Chamber to bring nationally-recognized speakers to our area.
The J.Pat Beaird award itself honors the memory of J. Pat Beaird, Sr., whose lifetime of community service helped to make Shreveport and the State of Louisiana a better place to live and work. The criteria for the award are the same as those Pat Beaird himself sought to promote: real dollar expansion, community involvement, and the creation of new jobs. This event is attended by elected officials, community, and business leaders representing diverse industries.
You can register HERE.
Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, a Chesapeake, Va., native, served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years.
Col. Gadson’s 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.
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.
Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Greg 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. Greg served in various assignments throughout the world. He 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.
Greg is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testified before Congress on issues related to these groups.
Greg’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 masters degrees in Information Systems from Webster University; and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Webster University.