Kevin Lacz

Kevin Lacz is a veteran of the United States Navy SEAL and the author of the memoir "The Last Punisher," which made the New York Times bestseller list, and was a part of the technical advisory team and cast of the acclaimed film, American Sniper. In addition to his achievements in the military and arts, Lacz is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and an active member of his community. His work extends beyond his time in the US Navy, with his co-founding of Lifestyle and Performance Medicine and his role as spokesperson for Hunting for Healing, a charitable organization founded by him and his wife.

Lacz's journey began following the events of 9/11 while he was still in college. A burning desire to serve his country moved him to leave university and enlist in the US Navy. He completed his Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training and served in SEAL Team THREE Task Unit Bruiser. Within this unit, Lacz served two tours in the Iraq War, with his 2006 deployment to Ramadi being discussed in several books. His role as a sniper and combat medic significantly contributed to the success of Task Unit Bruiser, which emerged as one of the most decorated special operations units of the Iraq war. Lacz's service was recognized with numerous awards, including a Bronze Star with combat "V," two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He exited the SEALs in 2010 after eight years of dedicated service.

Following his naval career, Lacz redirected his focus to academia, graduating Magna cum Laude from the University of Connecticut, where he studied Political Science. His education continued at Wake Forest University, from which he graduated with a Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant. During his time at Wake Forest, Lacz was approached by the renowned actor and director Clint Eastwood to serve as a SEAL technical advisor on the adaptation of American Sniper, the story of Chris Kyle. Lacz's role expanded to being cast in the film, playing himself. The film was nominated for six Oscars in 2015, with wins including Best Picture and Best Actor (Bradley Cooper).

On July 12, 2016, Lacz released his memoir titled "The Last Punisher: A SEAL Team THREE’s Sniper’s True Account of the Battle of Ramadi," which gave an unfiltered first-person account of the Iraq war and the decisive battle that determined its outcome. Lacz's recollections of his deployment and the success of his task unit, “The Punishers,” in securing the city alongside the Army and the Marines offer unique insights into the war, narrated with humor and moving testimonies.

Currently, Lacz works as a certified Physician Assistant in northwest Florida and southeastern Alabama, where he co-owns Lifestyle and Performance Medicine—a concierge-based Functional Medicine practice. He provides services to professional sports teams, as well as specialized units within the US Special Operations Command. His charitable work continues through Hunting for Healing, where he organizes hunting, fishing, and outdoor expeditions for service-disabled veterans and their spouses. In recognition of his accomplishments and experiences, Lacz was appointed to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees. Lacz resides in Florida with his wife, Lindsey, and their children.