First Sergeant Lacey Ray Macias
(U.S. Army – Armor & Military Police)
First Sergeant Lacey Ray Macias began his distinguished career in the United States Army in 1988 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) as a 19K – M1A1 Abrams Tank Crewman.
He served in a special battalion of M1A1 Abrams tanks, the first M1A1 unit deployed to Korea, marking a historic milestone for U.S. armored forces in the Pacific. His initial assignment lasted 18 months, extended due to Operation Desert Storm, as global tensions required sustained readiness abroad.
Following his tour in Korea, First Sergeant Macias served two assignments at Fort Hood, Texas, with the 218 CAV and 1132 AR units, continuing his role as a tanker and building the foundation for his leadership within the U.S. Army.
While stationed in Korea, he met his future wife — a U.S. Army Medic — and the two were married at the American Embassy, beginning a lifelong partnership that has now spanned over 34 years.
After a short break in service, he re-enlisted in 2002, this time retraining as a 31B – Military Police. This transition marked the start of a new chapter in his military journey, blending combat operations, law enforcement, and leadership.
From 2004 to 2006, First Sergeant Macias deployed to Iraq during the second rotation of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he led and supported patrol operations, security missions, and law enforcement duties under combat conditions. He later deployed on a short rotation to Italy, where he served for three months on specialized operations.
In 2008, he deployed to Kosovo for peacekeeping duties, which evolved into a combat deployment from 2011 to 2012, during which he completed several special mission actions supporting NATO and U.S. forces.
His final overseas assignment was in Kuwait from 2015 to 2016, where he served as the First Sergeant for the 126th Military Police Company. Under his leadership, the company operated as U.S. Customs for the Middle East, conducting inspection and clearance missions across Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Dubai, Jordan, and Iraq—ensuring the secure and lawful movement of personnel and equipment in and out of the region.
Throughout his decades of service, First Sergeant Macias demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication to both his soldiers and his mission. His career embodies the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.
We honor First Sergeant Lacey Ray Macias for his lifelong devotion to the United States Army, his leadership across multiple global deployments, and his steadfast commitment to his soldiers, his family, and his nation. A true warrior, mentor, and American patriot.