It took 68 units of blood to save SSG Justin Lascek’s life on March 5, 2019, after a fateful accident that nearly cost his life. Justin is a Green Beret Special Forces Medic, who grew up in Gwinnett County, attending Britt and J.C. Magill Elementary Schools, Snellville Middle School, and South Gwinnett High School. He excelled academically and graduated from Georgia Southern University before joining the US Army. Justin was on his second deployment to Afghanistan when he was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED), which exploded, costing Justin both his legs.
He underwent a number of surgeries and was transported to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC, where he made a speedy recovery and was able to return to his home in Colorado, just six and a half months after the blast.
The picture of American grit, Justin follows a rigorous physical regime to maintain his strength and regain mobility. However, no one in the world can restore what Justin sacrificed for our nation.
Justin Lascek working out in the MATC (Military Advanced Training Center) at Walter Reed. He excelled in therapy and often stayed hours past his session. In honor of Justin’s patriotism and his ongoing recovery battle, The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will host a Blood Drive on October 2, 2019. they hope to express their appreciation of his service and great sacrifice. “Our nation owes heroes like SSG Lascek a debt we can never repay, but we can boost the blood supply so life-sustaining blood is available to them and others when they need it,” The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s office shared on their website.Green
As Justin’s mother, Diane Hoffman, says, “[B]lood donating is extremely important! If the base had not sent out an emergency alert, they wouldn’t have had enough blood to save [Justin’s] life.” Thankfully, there was a line-up of donors who were willing to literally give of themselves for someone who had sacrificed so much.
At this time, The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office invites locals to come out for the Blood Drive taking place on October 2, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Drive will be held in classrooms B&C at 2900 University Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. Photo ID is required to participate. All donors will receive a commemorative Red Cross T-Shirt while supplies last. Sign up at the Red Cross website, “redcrossblood.org”, or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App and enter the sponsor code: GCSO.
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office deeply appreciates the many brave men and women who serve our great nation’s armed forces. They actively seek to employ heroes who are exiting their military careers. Many of the county’s deputies are military veterans, as well as who work alongside civilian staff members for a better, safer community for all.
Justin Lascek during his first deployment. Justin is a Green Beret Special Forces Medic, who grew up in Gwinnett County.
