In this episode, former Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Kevin Lacz joins Dr. Ron about the road to becoming a SEAL and the bonds with his brothers both during training and overseas. They discuss the toughness that may not prepare you for the tough transition back to family, work and civilian life. Kevin talks about his passion for medicine, and paving the way post deployments to becoming a Physician Assistant. He talks about playing the role of himself (Dauber) in Clint Eastwood’s adaptation of the Chris Kyle autobiography American Sniper, which led to writing his own memoir in 2016, The Last Punisher about his experience in Ramadi, Iraq. Kevin continues to give back to many patients/veterans "without holding a gun," and along with his wife Lindsey helps transitioning veterans back to work and life through a new book and a non-profit organization Hunting for Healing.
Former United States Navy SEALKevin Lacz served two tours in 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq. He is a decorated veteran, writer, actor, physician assistant. Originally from New England and a loyal Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins fan, he currently lives with his wife Lindsey and their two kids in the panhandle of Florida.
Kevin is also a creative guy who found himself taking on a few roles in the movie world, notably playing himself (Dauber) in Clint Eastwood’s adaptation of the Chris Kyle autobiography American Sniper. And in 2016 he wrote his own memoir, The Last Punisher about his experience in Ramadi during those day with Chris Kyle, Jonny Kim, Ryan Job, Jocko Willink, Mike Monsoor, and Marc Alan Lee, who he talks about during this interview, a colleague and friend who was both compassionate and as tough as they come.
Kevin talks about the truly challenging nature of transitioning back home to civilian life, and that for SEALS and other Special Operators, there can be a real sense of respect, control and belonging that is profound – And when back home, it’s huge change – It’s about redefining one’s self and finding new passions, new meaning.
He just published a book called The Veteran’s Workbook, about how to transition back to the work force post military, along with Bill Hobbs and his wife Lindsey Lacz that connects to that concept of belonging. He and Lindsey and their kids live in Florida, actively shuttling back and forth to scouts and gymnastics and busy. They also run Hunting For Healing, a charitable organization that brings disabled veterans hunting, fishing and outdoor activity, and reconnecting with each other and family.
Note: News clip source: Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), given a speech on the House floor in December 2020
- This conversation was recorded virtually in June 2021 -
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Home Base Nation Team: Steve Monaco, Maureen Roderick, Laurie Gallagher, Karianne Kraus, Lucy Little, and COO Michael Allard and Brigadier General Jack Hammond
Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
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Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation.
The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.