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Investment in Character Patron Luncheon

GUEST SPEAKER: Kevin Lacz
Navy SEAL Sniper, Breacher, Combat Medic, and Author

Kevin "Dauber" Lacz is a former Navy SEAL sniper, breacher, and combat medic who served in Iraq with real-life American Sniper Chris Kyle. As SEAL Technical Advisor on Clint Eastwood’s film adaptation, Kevin helped the actors accurately portray Navy SEALs—teaching them to mimic the laser-like focus and steadfast determination that were rigorously engrained in Lacz and Kyle as members of the country’s most elite special ops command force. Working closely with Bradley Cooper in particular, who portrays Kyle in the film, Kevin not only helped him move, shoot, and act like a SEAL, but to also understand the man Chris Kyle was. After a short time working together, Bradley convinced Kevin that he should play himself in the movie; Eastwood gladly brought Kevin onboard, proud to have someone on screen who intimately knew both the film’s events and its hero. The Oscar-winning film garnered six nominations in 2015—including Best Picture and Best Actor (Bradley Cooper).

In July 2016, Kevin released his first book, a bold, no-holds-barred first-person account of the Iraq War, The Last Punisher: A SEAL Team 3 Sniper’s True Account of the Battle of Ramadi. With wry humor and moving testimony, Kevin tells the story of his tour in Iraq with SEAL Team 3, the warrior elite of the Navy. Known as "The Punishers," these brave men were instrumental in securing the key locations in the pivotal 2006 Battle of Ramadi.

With a rare combination of passion and humor, Kevin Lacz shares his journey from borderline college dropout to commended U.S. Navy SEAL. While he struggled to define his own future as a college student, Lacz describes how the events of 9/11 were a turning point in his life, prompting him to enlist in the Navy and take the chance to not only prove himself but also better himself. After nearly failing as an undergrad, where most people succeed, he risked it all and succeeded where most people fail (the SEAL program boasts an 85% attrition rate). Lacz inspires audiences with his transformation from struggling undergrad to honor student and college graduate following his years of service.

Lacz also shares anecdotes from his two tours of duty on SEAL team THREE as a sniper and medic in dangerous combat zones with fellow SEAL Chris Kyle, subject of the critically acclaimed film, American Sniper. With stories "from the ground" of combat, Lacz takes audiences behind the scenes of the movie—peeling back the Hollywood veneer to offer a glimpse of true bravery, service, and sacrifice.

CHAIRMAN: Gordon Lansford
President & CEO, JE Dunn Construction Company

Gordon Lansford was named President and Chief Executive Officer of JE Dunn Construction Company on January 1, 2014. He is the first non-Dunn family CEO in the 90-year history of the company. Prior to this role, Lansford served as Chief Financial Officer for 15 years. He managed all accounting and financial reporting for JE Dunn Construction Group. He also oversaw investment management, payroll, contract administration and maintained relationships with banks and bonding companies. In addition to his role he oversaw information technology and the creation of an internal culture and innovation management tool.

To learn more about the 2016 Patron Luncheon contact Kristan Townley with questions at kristan.townley@scouting.org

Investment in Character

The Patron Luncheon is part of the Heart of America Council's annual "Investment In Character" campaign that raises much needed funds to support Scouting in the 19-county area in and around Kansas City. Scouting teaches leadership skills and ethical decision-making. The Heart of America Council serves more than 32,000 young people through the work of more than 15,000 adult volunteers.

Thanks to the generosity of luncheon sponsors, contributions to the Heart of America Council for this event are 100% tax deductible.