Lucas, a graduate of Chaminade, a Marianist school in Mineola, New York, learned the basics of journalism that served him well throughout served him well throughout two very high-tech careers. At age 20 he earned his "wings" as a USAF pilot. At age 26 he found himself commander of a nuclear bomber in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command. He later served as a Maintenance Squandron Commander and Quality Control Officer. Retiring from the military, he was a successful building engineer in Berkeley, California. He is now fully retired.