Reintegrating Our Vets

Posted: November 10th, 2015

By Master Sergeant William Gibson

Master Sergeant William "Spanky" Gibson (Ret.) is a 22-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps. During his USMC career, he served in Operation Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Sea Angel (Bangladesh), Operation Restore Hope (Somalia), and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After being wounded in combat, he re-deployed to Iraq in January 2008, making him the first above the knee amputee to return to a ground combat area of operation. He also served as one of the first two Enlisted Congressional Fellows to Congress. His personal awards are the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Purple Heart and the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor Device (2nd Award), among others.

Master Sergeant William “Spanky” Gibson is a retired United States Marine, who served for 22 years in multiple theaters. On May 16^th, 2006, while on a foot patrol in Iraq, then-Gunnery Sergeant Gibson was shot through the left knee during a fire fight. His wounds required his left leg to be amputated just above the knee. He re-deployed to Iraq in January 2008, making GySgt Gibson the first above the knee amputee to return to a ground combat area of operation.

MSgt Gibson spoke with The Cipher Brief about the key issues facing young veterans and Wounded Warriors during and after their transition out of military service.

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