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Military snipers to be celebrated at Naval Aviation Museum Saturday

May 22, 2015
/ Mike Ensley
/ community-dashboard

The military’s most deadly warriors will be the focus of events at the Naval Aviation Museum this Saturday, as the museum’s Discovery Saturday programs presents “Remembering Our Heroes: History of the American Military Sniper.” Scheduled to speak at the free event at 10 a.m. on May 23, are Nicholas Irving, a former Special Operations Direct Action Sniper Team Leader and Master Sniper with the U.S. Army Rangers. Irving is the author of the best-selling book, “The Reaper: Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers.” Also speaking at the event is Kevin Lacz, former U.S. Navy SEAL Team 3 Special Operations Sniper, Breacher and Combat Medic. Lacz also served as a technical advisor and portrayed himself in director Clint Eastwood’s film, “American Sniper,” which is based on the book by the late sniper Chris Kyle. Read Pensacola Today’s previous story here. When Lacz gives his presentation, it will be to help attendees not only understand the role that snipers serve, but also to humanize them. “I’m really going to try to bring the personal aspect of what snipers are about to the audience,” Lacz said. In the talk, he will reveal the process of becoming a sniper, from basic training and marksmanship to SEAL and sniper training and finally deployment to the field. One of the biggest misconceptions that the public has about snipers is that they are simply killers. “The public believes that we are out there racking up thousands of kills, but that’s not really what we do,” he said. “We’re often more defensive than offensive and spend 90 percent of our time doing reconnaissance.” The snipers are often tasked with protecting bridges and roadways and overseeing patrols from a hidden vantage point to protect their fellow soldiers. “Another of our tasks in securing new military installations,” Lacz said. “We go in and make sure they are safe before the real work begins.” Like a lot of Americans, Lacz said he never really thought about the significance of Memorial Day when he was younger. “I remember as a kid thinking that it was great because it was a three-day weekend,” he said. As he got older, the holiday took on more meaning. “As I became a pupil of history and served, I realized what the day really meant,” Lacz said. “It’s a tribute to the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this country.” Lacz says that even though he is out of the military now, he honors the service every Memorial Day. “I try to visit a military base or military cemetery every year now,” he said. Lacz gained some fame last year, playing himself in “American Sniper,” but it hasn’t gone to his head. “My life hasn’t changed all that much,” he said. “I am doing more public speaking engagements, but I am very happy working with both civilians and former military in my medical career.” One thing he has used his notoriety to further is his charity work. “I am in a unique position to help others,” Lacz said. “That is something I am very committed to doing.” Up next for Lacz? A well-deserved vacation. “On Sunday, I leave for Africa for a two week trip,” Lacz said. “I am excited to meet the people and immerse myself in their culture.”

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Military snipers to be celebrated at Naval Aviation Museum Saturday

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