General Gary Luck -“Father of America’s Joint Force” Dies

In Brief:

Retired Army General Gary Luck, a key figure in modernizing the U.S. Joint Force, passed away on August 14, 2024, at age 87.
General Luck led troops in Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Desert Shield, and later mentored thousands of military personnel in joint warfighting.
A memorial service will be held on September 19 at Duke Field’s Liberty Chapel, with a private burial at Barrancas National Cemetery.

The family of retired Army General Gary Luck announced his death to the public on August 14, 2024 at the age of 87 at his home in Niceville.

According to an obituary, Luck was “A revered figure in the U.S. Armed Forces, General Luck’s legacy spans decades of service, mentorship, and leadership, touching the lives of countless soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.”

Luck served 36 years in the Army – where he led troops in combat during the Vietnam War and led larger formations during operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

As the Commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), General Luck’s leadership helped shape the modern Joint Force, integrating elite units and preparing them for complex missions worldwide.

Luck was born in Alma, Michigan, and raised in Fort Scott, Kansas. He graduated from Kansas State University as a Distinguished Military Graduate, and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army in 1960.

His extensive military education included the Armor Basic and Advanced Officer courses, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the United States Army War College. He also held advanced degrees, including a Master’s from Florida State University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from George Washington University.

According to his obituary, “General Luck was known for his hands-on approach, often training and fighting alongside his troops. His leadership style was characterized by his deep care for his subordinates, his combat experience, and his ability to connect with soldiers at all levels. These qualities earned him a reputation as the father of America’s modern Joint Force.”

After retiring from active duty in 1996, General Luck continued to serve as the Chief of the Senior Mentor program in Suffolk, Virginia. In this role, he trained and mentored tens of thousands of military personnel, including every flag and general officer, in the art of joint warfighting. His efforts were instrumental in preparing the U.S. Armed Forces for the challenges of the 21st century, particularly during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Luck was also tasked with creating new leadership programs for general and flag officers – as well as a course for senior enlisted personnel.

General Luck retired for the second time in 2017 after a combined 57 years of service. His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Public Service Award and Senior Fellow Emeritus status by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

After his second retirement, he and his wife, Leah, moved to Florida to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He found great joy in spending time with his family and deepening his relationship with his faith.

General Luck is survived by his wife Leah, his son Skip (Christal), his daughter Kim (John), and his grandchildren Cooper, Joe, Scottie, Alexandra, and Gary.

A memorial service in his honor will be held at the 7th Special Forces Group Liberty Chapel at Duke Field, near Eglin Air Force Base, on September 19 at 2:00 pm. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.