Colonel Lagoski is a native of Collierville, TN. He enlisted in the Marine Reserves in May of 1990. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, he was commissioned as a 2ndLt in 1996. Upon completion of The Basic School in March 1997, Colonel Lagoski reported to the Naval Air Training Command in Pensacola, FL and was designated a Naval Aviator in December 1998.
In January 1999, he reported to MAG-39 at MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA. Assigned to HMLA-367 as an AH-1W pilot Colonel Lagoski deployed as an AH-1W pilot with the 31st MEU (SOC), 11th MEU (SOC), and with HMLA-267 during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Colonel Lagoski was promoted to Captain in 2001.
In April 2004, Colonel Lagoski reported 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company as a Forward Air Controller and Firepower Control Team leader. He deployed for combat operations ISO OIF in Ar Ramadi in August 2004 providing liaison and fire support for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division, US Army and Marine Small Craft Company. In 2005, Colonel Lagoski was assigned to Manpower and Reserve Affairs as the Rotary Wing Company Grade Monitor. Colonel Lagoski was promoted to Major in 2006.
In 2007, Colonel Lagoski was selected as an Exchange Officer with the British Royal Marine Commandos, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, United Kingdom; where he flew the Lynx MK7 and MK 9. During this tour, Colonel Lagoski deployed with the 847 Naval Air Squadron on combat deployments to Basra, Iraq and Helmand Province, Afghanistan; as well as exercises in France, Norway, and Czech Republic. In 2009, Colonel Lagoski reported to Quantico, VA to attend the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. In 2010, Colonel Lagoski returned to MAG-39 and joined HMLA-169 as the Logistics officer. Deploying in October of that year, he participated in combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan; serving as the Detachment OIC at Camp Dwyer in Southern Helmand
Upon their return from deployment, Colonel Lagoski assumed the duties as Maintenance Officer for HMLA-169 until being assigned as Commanding Officer, Headquarters Squadron 39 in May 2012. Colonel Lagoski returned to HMLA-169 to serve as the Squadron’s Executive Officer. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2014 and reassigned as the Executive Officer of MAG-39.
In 2014, Colonel Lagoski reported to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) where he served as both the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer. He was selected for Command of the “Vipers” of HMLA-169 and assumed command in 2016. During his command, the squadron deployed to Okinawa as part of the Unit Deployment Program, and was selected as the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s (MCAA) HMLA of the Year. After his command tour, Colonel Lagoski attended the Marine Corps War College in Quantico, VA. Upon graduation Colonel Lagoski was promoted to his present rank and assumed the billet of Director of Inspections, Office of the Inspector General of the Marine Corps. In 2021 he was reassigned to his present duties as the I MEF G-7.
Colonel Lagoski is married to Commander Danielle Lagoski, U.S. Navy, Medical Corps and he has 2 children Caroline (27) and Hannah (25).
Colonel Lagoski’s personal decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal Gold star in lieu of second award, Air Medal with combat “V” device Gold numeral “3” in lieu of third award and Strike/Flight numeral “11”. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat “V” and Gold Star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.