Sunday, March 13, 2011

First Sergeant John S. Lacny, Jr., United States Army





John Lacny was born in Hindsdale, Illinois on July 2, 1967 and passed away on February 17, 2011 at the age of 43, in San Angelo, Texas.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army for over twenty years. At the time of his death he was the First Sergeant for Alpha Company, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas.

His long and varied army career included tours of duty in Iraq, Hawaii, Arizona, Washington, D.C. and England. He was a Russian linguist and had studied at the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, California, and at Leningrad University.

His numerous military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, multiple awards of the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.

A prayer service was held on February 27 at the Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home in Justice, Illinois for his family and friends in Illinois.

Texas services were held on March 2 at the Sheppard Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family, friends and John’s fellow soldiers.

The Riders then led the funeral procession to the Smith Cemetery at Kempner, Texas where they formed a line of American flags along the side of the burial site.

John’s flag draped casket was removed from the hearse and carried to the burial site by eight white-gloved Army soldiers. A Chaplain of the United States Army Chaplain Corps led the gathered family and friends in final prayers.

The United States Army Guard rendered full military honors. The detail of seven rifles fired three volleys of fire representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The American flag that draped the silver casket was folded into a tight triangle by the Honor Guard. Three rifle cartridges were tucked into the fold of the flag, signifying Duty, Honor and Country. The flag was ceremoniously passed to Lt. Col. John J. Bonin, the Battalion Commander, who presented it to John’s parents on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, as thanks for his many years of faithful service.

First Sergeant John S. Lacny, Jr. was then laid to rest next to his dearly beloved wife, Sharon, who passed away on November 26, 2008, at the age of 38. They had married On July 30, 1993 in Honolulu. Sharon was an Army veteran and was a Korean interpreter.

Left to cherish John’s memory are his parents, John and Delores Lacny, six siblings, numerous nieces and nephews and his many fellow soldiers of the United States Army.







With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald, the Temple Daily Telegram and the Chicago Sun-Times for biographical information.

6 comments:

  1. Thank You MARINEMAJOR for taking time out of your life and posting this tribute about my brother. It truly means more to me (and my family)than you could ever imagine. May God Bless you,your family and loved ones.
    Thank You again,
    Marty Lacny I REALLY LOVE AND MISS MY BIG BROTHER

    ReplyDelete
  2. I don't know how to thank you for writing about, posting, and taking the time to do this for my uncle and my godfather. The last time I had seen my Uncle Johnny was 2 years ago out in Texas. Right when I say him I could see he was not happy, he didn't want to be hear anymore, I could see the depression on his face even though he was trying to hide it. Yes, he was happy when we were all their with him. My Uncle Johnny was a good person, he was always there for you, loved and I mean loved to tess kids it was like his hobby. He always served are country like we should. This year will be my first year he I do will not get a birthday card from him because tomarrow April 2 I will be thriteen. I am proud to call Johnny my uncle, my family, my friend, my godfather. I am proud to call myself an American because of him. Because of him I am stronge, I fight for what is right and what I believe in, for being brave, for helping others, and knowing what is right. I don't think I will ever know how to thank you, really. Today April 1,2011 I had read your artical at least 10 minites ago. When I read this I had to comment to thank you. I know my family, friends, and I all thank you for this my Uncle Johnny will be missed greatly but with you writing about him we will always be greatful for this. May God bless you with all his heart, I know God has a place for you up there. Thank you for this and for what you are doing now and for serving are country the land of the red, white, and blue, the home of the brave.
    Marissa Lacny Uncle Johnnys niece and goddaughter

    ReplyDelete
  3. I miss you and love you, John. You became my son-in-law in 1993 but a good while ago you became my son. I am proud of your service and dedication to the Army and all it stands for. You and Sharon are together now, always young.
    Alma Cottingham

    ReplyDelete
  4. Although not blood related, Stan was always an uncle and friend to me. He was there for my birthdays, performances, and concerts. He and Sharon were my second family. People I could always trust and confide in. Stan always teased me and sometimes made me cry, but he always knew how to make me laugh and he always loved me. I will miss Stan and Sharon forever, but I know they are now together and happy. I will always love my Crazy Uncle John.
    Forever and always in my heart<3
    Anna Donlin

    ReplyDelete
  5. I had the honor of deploying and serving with 1SG Lacny until 2007. I JUST found out about his passing, and my deepest condolences go out to his family. He had a lot of us over for Thanksgiving in 2006 and treated his soldiers as though they were family. He was a great man and an honorable soldier. RIP.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm deeply saddened to hear about John. He was a great person to have served with. He genuinely cared for his Soldiers. Regardless of who you were he treated everyone with respect and dignity. He was great to be around and made my life and job in Iraq easier than what it could or should have been. I haven't seen or heard from him since late 2006, but I have often thought about him. He'll be missed. My thoughts and prayers for all those close to him.
    -Chad

    ReplyDelete