LTC Lucas was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree, and in 2001 with a master’s in business administration. He enlisted in the Army in 2003 and completed OCS in 2004. LTC Lucas is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Engineer Captain’s Career Course, The Institute for Defense & Business Strategic Studies Fellows Program in 2013 and ILE in 2015.
LTC Lucas’ initial assignment was with the 36th Engineer Group at Fort Benning, where he deployed to Iraq (OIFIII) as a platoon leader. He returned to Fort Benning where he worked in the BDE S3 plans cell until he took an executive officer position with the 63rd Engineer Company (CSE) in 2006. In 2007, he became the assistant S3 at the 11th Engineer Battalion until his PCS to the Engineer Captains Career Course in 2008. Following completion of the career course, LTC Lucas moved to Fort Knox, KY. After a short assignment as the BN S4, He took command of the 502nd Engineer Company (MRB), and deployed to Afghanistan until summer of 2010. Following redeployment and a year of advanced civil schooling, he moved to the Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District where he held project engineer and project manager positions until 2015, when he moved back to Fort Knox to become the engineer officer for the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command. In March of 2016, he moved to the 19th Engineer Battalion where he held the position of S3 and XO. In 2018 he moved to Pittsburgh where he held an assistant professor of military science position with the Three Rivers ROTC battalion until his selection to professor of military science at Niagara University Purple Eagles Battalion LTC Lucas is married to Jennifer Lucas and has 5 children, and is currently serving as the professor of military science at the University of Pittsburgh.
LTC Lucas’ awards include the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC) , Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation (1 OLC), and the Bronze de Fleury Medal. He has also earned Combat Action and Parachutist badges.
