Daniel Gade

Gade was born in Minot, North Dakota. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1997. He was wounded in action twice and decorated for valor while serving in Iraq. After his second injury, his entire right leg was amputated. Gade has a Master of Public Administration and Ph.D. in public administration and policy from the University of Georgia.

Gade served in the administration of President George W. Bush, working on issues related to veterans, military health care, and disability policy. He returned to West Point in 2011 and taught political science, public policy, and leadership courses. He retired from the Army in 2017.

Gade has warned wounded veterans that relying on government disability checks may be harmful, saying "People who stay home because they are getting paid enough to get by on disability are worse off. They are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. They are more likely to live alone. You've seen these guys. And the system is driving you to become one of them, if you are not careful." Gade says it would be beneficial if the government moved away from paying veterans for their wounds and moved toward creating incentives for veterans to find work or create businesses. His ideas have been supported by Philanthropy Roundtable, which launched a pilot program designed to provide financial incentives to veterans who work.

He has served on various committees advising the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and was appointed to serve on the National Council on Disability in 2015. He was the world champion in his category at the 2010 Ironman 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida.