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Finding Waypoints: A Warrior's Journey Toward Peace and Purpose
He had been through hell―his own and the devil's―and had emerged free of hate, free of encumbrance. If the person who had laid the bomb that took his legs were standing before him, Greg knew he would lay down his own weapon in forgiveness. The waypoints were becoming clearer. He would recover his body as well as his soul.
In military jargon, the word “waypoints” refers to guideposts on a map used to direct soldiers in or out of a location like a rendezvous point. For Colonel Greg Gadson― a battalion commander and former West Point football player― who lost both legs as a result of an IED attack in Iraq in 2007, these waypoints were to change drastically, and inform his future life through his long, painful recovery and emergence as a spiritual guide and assistant coach to the NY Giants during their own trials of fire in the 2007 season that took them from last place to a Super Bowl championship in 2008. Soon after, Gadson also starred in a major motion picture (“Battleship”) and since then has become a motivational speaker for thousands of individuals, both civilian and military, and leader for veterans’ programs and outdoor experiential healing expeditions. This honest and deeply personal story of transformation from battlefield leader to speaker and life coach, will inspire readers to consider their own waypoints towards their own life’s betterment and the lives of those around them.
In military jargon, the word “waypoints” refers to guideposts on a map used to direct soldiers in or out of a location like a rendezvous point. For Colonel Greg Gadson― a battalion commander and former West Point football player― who lost both legs as a result of an IED attack in Iraq in 2007, these waypoints were to change drastically, and inform his future life through his long, painful recovery and emergence as a spiritual guide and assistant coach to the NY Giants during their own trials of fire in the 2007 season that took them from last place to a Super Bowl championship in 2008. Soon after, Gadson also starred in a major motion picture (“Battleship”) and since then has become a motivational speaker for thousands of individuals, both civilian and military, and leader for veterans’ programs and outdoor experiential healing expeditions. This honest and deeply personal story of transformation from battlefield leader to speaker and life coach, will inspire readers to consider their own waypoints towards their own life’s betterment and the lives of those around them.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2023
22 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 7, 2023
If there is any book you should read to close out 2023 or begin 2024, it’s this one. COL Gadson is honest, inspirational, and relatable. This book was so well pieced together, dropping you from the very start in Baghdad on that fateful patrol and moving effortlessly back and forth between recovery, West Point, and then some. This book is a must read for all leaders, civilian and military alike. This book is for those feeling lost in their journey of life, and for those who just need a little inspiration. I could not put this book down.
April 25, 2024
I tried to pace myself while reading this book, but I couldn't put it down. I cried, I laughed. And, I was lifted up. 💕Such an inspirational story - a story to which the author told in a caring and engaging way.
I can’t begin to imagine the work, determination, and emotion it took to write this beautiful story.
I can’t begin to imagine the work, determination, and emotion it took to write this beautiful story.
February 5, 2025
2.5 Star
May 14, 2024
This book is one of the best stories I have read in a Long time. True perseverance and heart! I have been lucky enough to meet Col. Gadson and he continues to spread his message to all he meets.
Do not miss this book!!
Do not miss this book!!
September 6, 2023
I was lucky enough to see an advance copy of this book, and it is both thrilling and inspiring! Schlachter drops you right in the middle of an IED explosion and its aftermath, then follows that up with Greg Gadson's raw struggle to overcome his injuries and his eventual triumph to do amazing things and live a life of inspiration to others.
April 13, 2025
Great read! I love this story so much and the strength this man has. I got to see him speak and meet him at esko world. I couldn’t wait for his book to come out. Thank you for your service and for this books.
July 25, 2025
A must-read for anyone in a leadership position and for anyone who is in one of life's really hard places.
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February 20, 2024MWSA Review
Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Towards Peace and Purpose is a highly impactful book introducing readers to an amazing man who not only survives catastrophic injuries, but excels in his recovery, due to his resilient nature. From the gridiron to combat and back, Colonel Greg Gadson demonstrates the power of belief and reliance on teammates and family in this inspirational story.
The prologue sets the stage well for how the story will be told. Pentagon Channel then-reporter Terese Schlachter meets Gadson while covering a story at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He literally “tumbles” into her life. Her excellent research and first-hand observations make the reader feel as if he or she is there in many of the scenes. She is also a gifted writer and storyteller whose closeness to her co-author Gadson and his family shines through in her words.
All the characters come to life, and the emotions range from hopelessness to humor to unconditional love. This book should be required reading for the military’s reading lists as an example of believing in what one can do and following personal waypoints to create and achieve success.
Review by Valerie Ormond (February 2024)
Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Towards Peace and Purpose is a highly impactful book introducing readers to an amazing man who not only survives catastrophic injuries, but excels in his recovery, due to his resilient nature. From the gridiron to combat and back, Colonel Greg Gadson demonstrates the power of belief and reliance on teammates and family in this inspirational story.
The prologue sets the stage well for how the story will be told. Pentagon Channel then-reporter Terese Schlachter meets Gadson while covering a story at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He literally “tumbles” into her life. Her excellent research and first-hand observations make the reader feel as if he or she is there in many of the scenes. She is also a gifted writer and storyteller whose closeness to her co-author Gadson and his family shines through in her words.
All the characters come to life, and the emotions range from hopelessness to humor to unconditional love. This book should be required reading for the military’s reading lists as an example of believing in what one can do and following personal waypoints to create and achieve success.
Review by Valerie Ormond (February 2024)
January 17, 2024
Loved this book. Inspirational story. Colonel Gadson’s beliefs give us all hope no matter what challenges we have in life. I love Ms. Schlachters writing. Makes me feel like I’m there. Great book!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews