Photo By 2nd Lt. Trenton Fouche | Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie Lucas, the casualty assistance officer for the Illinois Army...... read more read more
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – It didn’t take a lot to convince the 31-year-old recruit to join the Illinois Army National Guard in 2001. Growing up in East Saint Louis, Illinois, Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie Lucas worked multiple jobs, but not yet had a career with an opportunity to grow and develop his skills.
“Before meeting with the recruiter, I already had my mind made up to join,” said Lucas, the casualty assistance officer for the Illinois Army National Guard. “I joined a little later in life and was upfront and honest. I was really looking for a career and benefits for my family.”
On Oct. 7, 2022, Lucas retired during a quiet ceremony at Mario’s Pizza in Springfield after 21-years of distinguished service.
“I want to thank everyone for taking the time to come out today,” Lucas said. “But I want to especially thank my wife, Linda, and our children Lonnie Jr., Jared, Alyah and Lindsey. They are truly the hands behind my success.”
During his career, Lucas served in several positions of responsibility. As a traditional National Guard Soldier, he served as a heavy vehicle driver for the 1644th Transportation Company and deployed to Iraq in October 2004. He returned to Iraq in August 2011 as a heavy vehicle driver with the 1344thTransportation Company.
“My deployments really brought me close to my battle buddies,” Lucas said. “It encouraged me to want to continue to serve. I still keep in touch with a lot of those Soldiers. I truly developed some genuine friendships during that time.”
Lucas has been awarded numerous awards and citations for his outstanding service including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
He credits his leadership and mentors for putting him in a position to be successful.
“My career has been supported by great leadership,” Lucas said. “I’ve learned so much from a lot of people. It’s not just about discipline, but giving your Soldiers the confidence to be successful. When I joined the Guard I had a mentor who would really stress the importance of non-commissioned officers looking out for their Soldiers, not just during drill but when they’re off the clock as well.”
In his new role, Lucas serves as a readjustment counselor for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and is actively working toward his Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) certification.
“I’m so grateful for my time in the Illinois Army National Guard,” Lucas said. “I was able to get an education and so many opportunities to be successful.”
| Date Taken: | 10.07.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.13.2022 11:26 |
| Story ID: | 431201 |
| Location: | SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | EAST ST. LOUIS, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 177 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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