Lucio pursues childhood dream of becoming Airborne Special Forces operator

By Editor | July 17, 2024

Raised by his father, a Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm veteran, Pearsall’s Isaiah Lucio, 27, will pursue his childhood dream of becoming an Airborne Special Forces operator after earning his bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, while commissioning as a Second Lieutenant from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

He will now attend the Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course, followed by Ranger School, all at Fort Moore, Georgia.

Lucio credits his father Rodney, who worked three jobs to support him and his siblings, and instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Isaiah is also supported by his mother and stepfather, Racheal and Joe Garza, who he says have helped shape much of the character he is today.

Isaiah acknowledges that he would not be where he is today without the tough love shown from his parents and their constant commitment to him and their love and support.

At 17, Isaiah joined the military and soon after became a father. He married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca, in December 2015, and together they have a nine-year-old daughter, Alexandria-Arielii I. Lucio.

Isaiah’s military career began in the reserves, serving on rotations with the 228 CSH at Fort Sam Houston. He saw Germany and Colorado while in the reserves before he transitioned to active duty, spending much of his time at Fort Hood with the 89th MP Brigade, where he earned numerous awards and badges, becoming air assault and airborne qualified with other various accommodation medals. He earned multiple IT certifications and quickly rose to the rank of sergeant, winning Soldier of the Year and NCO of the Quarter.

Isaiah’s ambition led him to boost his GT score and apply for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection, though the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his plans. During that time, he focused on self-development and dropped a packet for the Army Green-to-Gold program. Six months later, he was one of the finalists for the Hip-Pocket scholarship, presented by Lieutenant General Pat White.

Faced with a choice between orders to Vicenza, Italy, and pursuing a degree back home, Isaiah chose the latter to spend time with his aging grandmother, Beatrice Lucio. He believes the decision has been one of the best of his life, teaching him the value of time and relationships. Isaiah has now earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Texas A&M University at San Antonio, while commissioning as a second lieutenant from UTSA.

Isaiah will now attend the Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course, followed by Ranger School, all at Fort Moore, Georgia. His experiences have driven his aspiration to become an Airborne Special Forces operator, a dream he has nurtured since childhood.

Isaiah says his journey is marked by resilience, forgiveness, and a commitment to his family and country. Inspired by his father’s example, quotes from “Rocky”, the Bible, and his passion for mixed martial arts, his favorite quote is by Conor McGregor, who says, “Your lack of commitment is an insult to the people who believe in you…. I want to give back to those people that believe in me.”

Isaiah says he is determined to provide for his loved ones and be a role model for his daughter, aspiring to be at least half the man his father was.

“Everything in my life has been nothing but a humbling experience and always taught me not to forget where I came from,” Isaiah says. “I will never forget the people who have helped get me to where I am today; from the counselors, Pearsall city officials, coaches, friends, my family, and most importantly my wife, Rebecca Lucio. I aspire not to just be a part of the best but to be the best in everything I do. My career is just beginning and I have much to look forward to, from bright skies to rainy days. Rangers, Lead the Way!”