MSgt Gibson is the first return to a ground combat area of operation after an above-the-knee amputation. On May 16, 2006, while on foot patrol in Ramadi, Iraq, then GySgt Gibson was shot through the left knee during a firefight. His wounds required his left leg to be amputated just above the knee. While rehabilitating at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, he started training and competing in triathlons. Between Nov. 2006 and Nov. 2007, he competed in over 12 races including one marathon, two half ironman races, and a three-day adventure race in support of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
In May 2007, GySgt Gibson was released from patient status to Marine Artillery Detachment, Ft. Sill Oklahoma as the Chief Instructor of Marine Artillery Scout Observers Course and Marine Air Ground Task Force, Fire Support Coordination Course. However, his duties at Ft. Sill were short lived, as he re-deployed to Iraq in January 2008 as the IMEF (Fwd) Fires Support Coordination Chief.
Spanky Gibson was promoted to Master Sergeant by Lt. Gen. John Kelly, aboard Camp Fallujah, while deployed to Iraq in 2008. In October of that year he was selected to become one of the first two Enlisted Congressional Fellows to Congress. He attended the Georgetown Government Affairs Institute Course in December 2008 and began his fellowship assigned to the Ranking Member House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Congressman Steve Buyer. That same year he was also personally honored by President George W. Bush and nominated as one of the 10 most inspirational people of the year along with Paul Newman, Steven Curtis Chapman and Christina Applegate.
MSgt Gibson retired from the Marine Corps on August 5, 2011 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. His final duty was as a special assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Juan Garcia. He received letters of appreciation from all four living Presidents of which he served during his over 20-year career.
MSgt Gibson has been featured in GQ Magazine, Triathlon Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Leatherneck Magazine, Marine Times, USO On Patrol, and many nationwide newspapers and magazines. He has also been featured on Fox, CBS, MSNBC, the 2010 Super Bowl, 2010 Fiesta Bowl, and in numerous commercials.
In his spare time, MSgt Gibson mentors his fellow wounded warriors, and raises awareness and monies for non-profits. His goal is to assist fellow wounded warriors in overcoming the invisible wounds of war and living a more productive life.