General Gary Edward Luck (Ret.)

It was one of the great privileges of my professional life to work directly with General Gary Luck, and it is an honor to offer these reflections for his memory book.

My time with him began on the Deployable Training Team, with multiple trips to Korea in support of Pacific Command headquarters staff exercises over several years. In that setting, I had a front-row seat to his interaction with the PACOM Commander, Eighth Army leadership, and United Nations forces on the peninsula. Watching him operate at that level-calm, deliberate, and deeply respected-was a masterclass in senior leadership.

General Luck possessed a rare gift. He guided decisions not by force of rank, but through experience, insight, and an unwavering commitment to learning. He knew when to step in, when to step back, and how to shape outcomes so that leaders grew stronger through the process. His mentorship was never theatrical; it was purposeful, thoughtful, and enduring. Those lessons stayed with you long after the exercise ended.

That same quality was on full display during Millennium Challenge, where General Luck served as the four-star Joint Force Commander and General B.B. Bell as the Joint Task Force Commander. I served as the Adversary Corps Commander, leading the opposing forces in the experiment. For roughly ten intense days, we interacted twice daily within a globally distributed operational environment, driving learning across the force. Listening to General Luck guide those discussions-bringing clarity, balance, and strategic perspective-was extraordinary. He elevated leaders across the entire distributed operational environment.

General Gary Luck was a special American. Each of us was touched by him in our own way, but what stands out most is the lasting impact he had on the growth of American leaders who serve in uniform. To have witnessed that influence firsthand, and to have been shaped by it myself, was truly an honor.

With humbled respect and gratitude for his leadership, mentorship, and service to our nation.

General came to FOB Cobra Iraq 28 Feb 1991 to thank me and my Colonel Tom Hill for a job well done.
CSM R Nichols

Sir
God speed on your journey to the Spirit world. Thank you for giving a young Native American Captain the opportunity to command the Second Brigade,8th ID HHC Company and especially for your mentorship. Because of you I went on to retire a Colonel. RIP General. Wish I could share a beer with you like we all used to do during Baumholder Officer Club Happy Hour. I will never forget you.

I had the distinct privilege to serve with General Gary Luck 2 ID Camp Casey, Korea (1985-86). He was the epitome of Service, Sacrifice and Pride for the Corps. I am one of the beneficiaries of his wisdom, leadership and mentorship. Dr. (CW5) Lionel E. Cartwright USA, Retired

I served with General Luck in Korea as his C/J-6 Sergeant Major. His office was right above mine and he would come down the back steps and always sit for a minute and talk to me on just about any topic. CSM Andrew McFlower was his Command Sergeant Major. It was a great honor to serve with General Luck who truly cared about his soldiers and the US Army. May he rest in Gods hands .

Served under General Luck in Korea and during Desert Storm. One of my favorite Generals. A man´s man and a true leader who treated the soldiers great. RIP

General Luck was my boss twice. In 8ID in Germany when he was the Chief of Staff and in 2ID when he was the Division commander. He was the best. A soldier unlike any other. He trained me to always do what is right for soldiers and then you'll be doing what is right for the Army. God bless him and God bless all who loved him.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

First and foremost, let me offer my sincere condolences to Leah and the entire Luck family. Gary Luck was the type of leader, mentor an officer that we should all strive to be. I know I took his leadership style to heart, not only in my military career but also in my post service endeavors. Our nation and our army lost a shining example of dedication and service. He was truly `Second to None´.

Gary and I played American Legion baseball while in High School in Fort Scott ,Kansas. I remember playing a game in state tournament and I was pitching and he was short stop. I think every pitch I threw went out to the fence. Gary called time out and told me to let them, hit on the ground. I did and the first on went by him and he missed it. The second on went between his legs. I called time out and ask him , what do we do now boss.

JFCOM J7. He was a Senior Mentor and absolutely friendly and knowledgeable. Always gave sound advice without any bias opinions.

Dear Sir,
I reckon you are about settled in your new surroundings. It must have been a grand arrival ceremony with so many of our Special Operations Brothers welcoming you to the FOB. We thank you for all that you had given us - your Troops, Our Families, our Armed Forces, Our Nation and all Freedom loving people on this earth. You are missed big time but know your legacy shall endure always - Bravo Zulu Sir and Charlie Mike. God Bless Boss -- DOL-RLTW-NSDQ.

Dear Leah and Family,
"And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." John 16:22
Our deepest condolences, love, thoughts, and prayers are with you. May our Heavenly Father guide you and your family through this time of sorrow with the light of his love and provide you with courage, comfort and hope.
How very blessed, honored and privileged I was to have known and served under General Luck in various decades. He was a mission focused visionary who believed in and cared for his troops like no other. General Gary Luck was truly one of a kind - The grandest of Human Beings and the epitome of a Green-Tab Combat Commander in all ways.
Even in this time of sadness, we can take solace in knowing that for our beloved General, life did not end but only changed. Even though his physical presence has relocated to the heavenly FOB, we know that this great Special Operations Warrior and Patriot´s bravery, courage, example, humility, integrity, humor, kindness, spirit and wisdom are enduring and will transcend generations to come. May God bless and keep you always. DOL - NSDQ - RLTW
With Love and Prayers
Bill & Susan Davis

He was well-liked by all. Very down to earth. While the USFK commander, General Luck would come to the DHL Point health club. I recall sitting in the Point lobby as he walked by wearing blue jeans with a tin of Skoal tobacco in his back pocket.
He liked to have a good time with stories of him visiting bars in Itaewon. There was a fire pit in a grass area next to the Point pool patio. One time a raucous party was held out there with loud music and carrying on. Someone, disturbed by all the noise, called the MP´s. They walk up and General Luck emerged from the crowd to greet them. That was that. The party went on.

Great American and genuine leader. Proud to have served with the General in South Korea, he was the best.
"Fair winds and following seas," sir.

I served under General Luck with the XVIII Airborne Corps in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. It was and honor. May you and Stormin' Norman's memory and wisdom keep generations of leaders held to the highest of standards. Till Valhalla sir.

I had the honor of serving under GEN (R) Luck when he was the senior mentor at the Joint Warfighting Center and I was one of his OC/T's. GEN Luck was such a presence and his knowledge of joint doctrine and the elements of national power were unmatched. I would brief during Capstone, Keystone and Pinnacle and of course GEN Luck would be hands on to give me guidance and recommendations to the briefings that provided so much clarity and relevance to the current global dynamics and ensure the GO's in the audience had a menu of items to discuss. I would make it a point to call GEN Luck during my BN Command time, just to check in and see how he was doing and we always had genuine and wholesome conversations. GEN Luck was a national treasure that will be missed, a man like him only comes around once in a century. Rest Easy Sir.

COL(R) Allan Lanceta

I was honored to serve with and around GEN Luck for many years at the Joint Warfighting Center in Suffolk, VA. He was the bedrock of that place and contributed so much to the evolution of jointness in the US military. He always had a way with words, especially story telling. He would have whole rooms packed with FO/GOs and senior civilians on the floor laughing over some crazy anecdotal war story. His stories were always intended to provide insights and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously even though we are wrestling with very serious issues. Humility, candor, wisdom, and moral courage is what he taught to countless leaders over those years. I will never forget how he remembered my first name even after I had been out of the building for over six years! That is a very rare trait in leaders.
God bless General Gary Luck and his family. He will be missed.

Remembering GEN Luck as the XVIII Airborne Corps Commander. Thank you for your leadership and service. May you rest in peace.

I don’t think there was a single soldier in the 101st he did not have contact with when he was ADCO. Hands on Leader

I had the honor of commanding 1/72 Armor in Korea while General Luck was the CG of the 2nd Infantry Division. He was truly a soldier´s soldier and the troops loved him. He really enjoyed going through the motor pool and talking to the troops. Rest in Peace, Sir.

I first met General Luck in 1982 and stayed in contact until he passed, Here is a picture of us together in Kabul. He was our Senior Mentor from the Joint Warfighting Center.
Semper Fidelis and De Oppresso Liber,
Gordon Nash
MajGen USMC (Retired)

I served with Gen Luck during desert storm. He was a true leader and loved his soldiers. God Speed Sir

General Gary Luck was commander of the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea while I was assigned to Bco, 122 Signal Battalion. I can honestly say that this man was one of two general officers that I admired; the other was Colin Powell. Then Major General Luck was a demanding leader, and a soldier's soldier, and he was always concerned about how his soldiers were doing, and we loved him for it. RIP, sir.

I had the honor and privilege to serve as his CSM when he was the CINC U.S. Forces Korea, Gen Luck was a Soldiers General. Rest in peace Sir.
Andrew and Johnnie Mae McFowler

I learned so much from GEN Luck at JFCOM from 2008 to 2011, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. He was a legend in the Army, and as a Marine, he welcomed me on the team and taught us all how powerful a tool Joint Training and Leader Development can be. His wisdom as expressed in signature humorous aphorisms will stay with me forever. "No tree ever grew so tall that a little dog wouldn't pee on it" and "There is more to riding a horse than sitting tall in the saddle" are just two examples. Sir, you made us all better Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen and you are missed.

GEN Luck was my first Squadron Commander (2/17th) at Fort Campbell, when I arrived to B Troop out of flight school in 1975. He was the finest leader and friend that I have ever served under in my 38 years of service. He was a very caring leader to all his soldiers, Warrant Officers and officers. He was an outstanding athlete and wouldn´t hesitate to knocking you around on the basketball court. He also expected you to play hard against him no matter what your rank was. He was a pretty fast runner and I had to work hard to keep up with him. He was also a great stick when he flew Hueys. Great control and he would Ace his check rides. Wouldn´t miss an aircraft limitation or emergency procedures during table talk. He could challenge any instructor pilot and come out winning. When he was the CINC in Korea, I got to fly him in a C12 around Korea. Even got to see him after several years during the Gulf War and received his usual big bear hug and a hit to my arm. I think he was boxer too (lol). Rest in Piece Sir, see you on Fiddlers Green one day. GOD BLESS

Captain Gary was our student flight class leader. He never forgot us as he added stars. One heck of a guy!!

When I was a Lt, he was the commander of my flight school class. As a Captain I flew gunship missions in support of his Cav Troop in Vietnam. As a Major I commanded an Air Cav Troop within his Air Cav Squadron of the 101st Air Assault Div. And as an experienced old codger, I have cherished my memories and my moments with him because he was without doubt the finest leader I have ever known. He will rest in peace!

Rest in Peace General,
At your lead sir we would have stormed Hell. No Doubt.
Major Ralph P. Ganis, USAF Retired (Veteran -CTOCSE 18 Corps- Desert Shield / Storm)

While serving as the CINC U.S. Forces-Korea, he and Mrs Luck were the first visitors I had at the 121 Army Hospital (Yongsan) after I gave birth to my son. He treated us like family, was a great leader and friend. Rest in peace, Sir.

I was a brand new second lieutenant serving in the 2nd Infantry Division under his command. He was a soldiers' soldier and officer and a great man. Rest in Peace Sir.

I had the great honor of serving in the Second Infantry Division when General Luck was the Commanding General.
My platoon was responsible for maintaining his UH-1H helicopter, which he expected to be ready every day. He visited the soldiers often and frequently put them in a headlock for fun motivation.
Soldiers loved him!!
RIP Sir!