Gunnery Sergeant William "Spanky" Gibson

UPDATE: I, GySgt “Spanky” Gibson, am currently serving in Camp Fallujah, Iraq. I have had the distinct opportunity to continue my service in the Marine Corps and to continue deploying after a life changing injury.

My life changed dramatically when the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund started a relationship with my family. Our time in the hospital was more demanding on my family than on me. They provided assistance to them when everyone else focused primarily on me. That assistance allowed my family the opportunity to help me get back on my feet, one real and one carbon fiber. My relationship with the Fund is more than just appreciation but as part of my family. A family, that provides support to one another. I know that my ability to continue service and redeploy to Iraq is a direct reflection on the support I received from the Fund and my family.

Team Semper Fi was a chance for me to test my new abilities as an amputee. Testing my own character and finding out what limitations to focus on. After competing with the team, and finding the “Espirit de Corps” to challenge myself further, I was capable of making the decision to redeploy. My deployment is not a bragging right of my own, but a show of appreciation to all those who supported me while I was rehabilitating. It allows everyone to see what their support can do. The support inspires me each day I put my leg, uniform and boots on.

I can now say I am whole again; I am a man again; I am a Marine again. I have found my heart and soul. I can accomplish anything. I thank the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund for their support to me and my family - it is truly priceless!


ORIGINAL INFORMATION: Spanky was deployed to Iraq in January 2006 as a Joint Terminal Aircraft Controller. From a forward position, he coordinated, integrated and directed the actions of combat aircraft engaged in Close Air Support (CAS) and other offensive air operations. On 16 May 2006, Spanky was injured while conducting a foot patrol in Ramadi. He was attached to the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, 1st BN, when he was shot by a sniper in the left knee cap. His wounds resulted in the loss of his left leg, just above the knee.

Spanky has spent the last 11 months rehabilitating at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He is scheduled to be transferred to Marine Detachment, Ft Sill, OK, in May 2006, to become the chief instructor for the Marine Artillery Scout Observer/Chiefs Course. His check-in date is May 15th, one day short of a year from the date of his injury. He is very proud of this, as he had told everyone that he would return to work in a year. His goal is to stay in the Marine Corps and retire with more than 20 years of service.

During his free time and to get back in shape, Spanky trained for the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon. He competed in the hand cycle division as a way to support the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. He stated, "my family received numerous levels of support from the IMSFF and I felt obligated to show my appreciation. I never knew about the IMSFF and now that I do, I want to share the information with all Marines"

When IMSFF started Team Semper Fi, Spanky was one of the first to sign up. Because of his love of sports, his can- do attitude, and his infectious personality, IMSFF hired Spanky to work part-time as a coach and the Assistant Program Manager for the team.He brings a first hand understanding of the challenges facing those who have lost a leg, to his role as mentor and coach. His goal is to help speed the recovery of others who are injured by encouraging them to become a part of Team Semper Fi and motivating them to push their limits.