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 Previous Michael E. McLaughlin     Next 
  Michael E. McLaughlin
Army Lt. Col. Michael E. McLaughlin

44, of Mercer, Pa.; assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Washington, Pa.; killed Jan. 5 when he was conducting a dismounted patrol at an Iraqi police recruiting station and an individual-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his position in Ramadi, Iraq.



• • • • •


Pa. Guard officer dies in Iraq suicide bombing

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. — A soldier killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq became the first officer of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard to die in action since World War II, guard officials announced Saturday.

Lt. Col. Michael McLaughlin, 44, of Mercer County, was speaking with Iraqi leaders and police candidates on Thursday when the blast occurred at a recruiting station in Ramadi. The explosion also killed a Marine and about 80 Iraqis, and injured dozens of others.

Spc. Adam Brown, 21, of Warren Center, and Spc. Matthew Gibson, 26, of Carlisle, received minor injuries in the attack. They have returned to duty.

McLaughlin was a member of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division.

“Colonel McLaughlin was a hands-on leader who died working to ensure Iraqis will one day be able to provide their own security,” Gov. Ed Rendell said in a statement. “Midge and I are deeply saddened, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the McLaughlin family.”

McLaughlin was a private contractor in Mercer. He was a 1980 graduate of West Forest High School in Tionesta, and held bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. McLaughlin joined the National Guard in April 1980.

“Mike died doing his job the only way he knew how — out front, with great enthusiasm and courage,” said Col. John L. Gronski, commander for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “He was a very close friend. My heart and my prayers go out to his family.”

Survivors include his wife and two daughters. He will be posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge.

— Associated Press

• • • • •


Pa. Guard officer killed in Iraq

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — A Pennsylvania National Guard officer who trained at a Mississippi base has been killed in Iraq.

The Department of Defense said Lt. Col. Michael E. McLaughlin, 44, of Mercer, Pa., died last Thursday in Ramadi, Iraq, when a suicide bomber detonated near him.

He was serving with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, which trained at Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg.

According to the news release, McLaughlin was the first Pennsylvania National Guard officer killed in combat since World War II.

McLaughlin was talking to police recruits at the time of the blast, which also killed a Marine and about 80 Iraqis and injured dozens, according to the Web site.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team deployed in July after more than four months of training at Camp Shelby.

Nearly 20,000 soldiers from across the country have trained at the 136,000-acre base for deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

— Associated Press




Western Pa. soldier and Marine killed in Iraq

A soldier killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq became the first officer of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard to die in action since World War II, guard officials announced Saturday.

Lt. Col. Michael McLaughlin, 44, of Mercer County, was speaking with Iraqi leaders and police candidates on Thursday when the blast occurred at a recruiting station in Ramadi. The explosion also killed a Marine and about 80 Iraqis, and injured dozens of others, including two soldiers from western Pennsylvania who have since returned to duty.

The same day, in a separate incident, Marine Cpl. Albert P. Gettings, 27, of New Castle, was killed when his squad was attacked by small arms fire near Fallujah, said his father, David.

Albert Gettings, who married a childhood friend in May in front of 800 friends and family members, is the first Lawrence County resident killed in action in Iraq.

“There are no words to describe him,” his wife, Stephanie, said. “He was sweet, he was loving and he was my best friend. He knew me better than I know myself. I cherish every minute that I got to spend with him.”

An avid baseball player who grew up in New Castle, Gettings first thought about joining the military after the Sept. 11 attacks. He enlisted in April 2002 and was assigned to a supply and accounting job, which made his parents happy, his father said.

“But my son absolutely hated it. He thought it was a job for civilians,” David Gettings said. “He felt the job of a Marine was to protect people.”

His son was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and was shipped to Afghanistan, where he spent five months before returning to United States and getting married.

McLaughlin, a member of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, lived in Mercer County, about 15 miles north of New Castle.

“Colonel McLaughlin was a hands-on leader who died working to ensure Iraqis will one day be able to provide their own security,” Gov. Ed Rendell said in a statement. “Midge and I are deeply saddened, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the McLaughlin family.”

McLaughlin was a private contractor in Mercer. He was a 1980 graduate of West Forest High School in Tionesta, and held bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. McLaughlin joined the National Guard in April 1980.

“Mike died doing his job the only way he knew how — out front, with great enthusiasm and courage,” said Col. John L. Gronski, commander for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “He was a very close friend. My heart and my prayers go out to his family.”

Survivors include his wife and two daughters.

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Prayers & Condolences For:
Michael E. McLaughlin
BY bad-dog on May 12, 2006
  May God Bless you and your loved ones for what you have done for your country
 

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Prayers & Condolences For:
Michael E. McLaughlin
BY DONNYDO on May 06, 2006
  Dear Lord hear my prayer.

Please embrace with all Your love and mercy the soul of this brave soldier and comfort him with Your Divine Presence.

Bless his heart and keep his family in Your Hands, Guard them and comfort them.

Amen


 


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Jose Ricardo Flores-Mejia

It's been 20 years since your passing... However, I never forgotten the day you told me I am married, I am going to have a baby, and day your son was born... You touched some many lives in different ways in your brief time on this earth in ways others can't imagine... Some people can be given a life time on this earth and accomplish nothing, and there are some people who are given a short time and accomplish so much... You Mr. Flores-Mejia aka Ricky was that person and soldier who accomplish so much in your shoft tme... As I see the days pass by, and the war seems to be a distant memory, your memory is still alive in my life, and still on this and like other days with my grandchildren I sit back like we did many times and listen to those West Coast oldies... "Never Forgotten"


Frank E. Adamski III

To the family of Frank Adamski, including his wife and daughter, my sincere condolences. I plan to make sure he is never forgotten.


Benjamin Walker

🕯️


Trevor B. Adkins

If I could go back in time I would begg you not to go I miss you so much the girls do to they talk about you all the time lots of love your sister


Adam D. Jones

Happy Birthday, Adam. You are missed so much every minute of everyday! XOXO ~143~ You will forever be in my heart and on my mind. Love always, Tammy


Laurie Cobb

She was my 3rd and 5th grade teacher. Today I'm 32 and still think about her. She was the best teacher ever. From her hair children stories to her bubbly happiness and kindness she spread. I'll never forget her. She was the teacher who had lunch with the kids in her classroom so everyone had someone to be with. She made my school experience amazing. I will never forget her.. I love you Mrs. Cobb. Sincerely, Forever in my thoughts, Alyssa (Viau) Capone


Larry E Polley Jr

SPC Polley died almost two decades ago so I don't know if this message will be seen. In honor of Memorial Day, my agency hands out cards with names of those who have fallen. This year, 2023, I received the card for SPC Polley and was inspired to look up more on him. I am thankful for his service and sacrifice. My condolences to his family. He is not forgotten.


Paul C. Holter III

Miss you brother


Alex D Gonzalez

Love you and miss you always. Since you been gone it has been hard for everyone. I know you loved what you did, and I want to thank you for our freedom. If I can have you back home and safe living your life man everything would be different. No matter how much money they would offer me I would rather have you alive and home. Money comes and go so it's not worth losing you.


Christopher D Young

hello my name is Jesus Vega I would like to give my condolences to Christopher's family and friends, I served with him in Iraq and slept in the same quarters. I have many fond memories of him. I have never forgotten his sacrifice. I would like to share that the greatest memory I had of Chris is that he would speak highly of his mom and how much she meant to him. Chris was a strong minded person and looked out for other. He was kind and friendly the he made friends with everyone. Chris was truly a great man! I sincerely apologize for not sharing sooner. but would like to express that Chris's memory will never be forgotten! though he is not with us he will always be in spirit! If this message gets to Christopher's mother I she could know she raised a great man and for that I thank you.


Jose E Ulloa

Ricky you are still in your family's hearts.


John Michael Roy Curwin

I'm doing a work assignment for school and think he should be included.


Derek L. Shanfield

Heartfelt Sympathy on the loss of your son - Semper Fi.


Marisol Heredia

Dear Marisol, You are Loved Forever...Jeff


John Charles Jenkins

In hope for your soul to be safe and in peace forever, God hold you in your wings! Amen


Todd Beamer

Your courage exceeds the unimaginable.


Steven Paul Chucknick

peace be with you


Geoffrey Perez

thank you for being in our lives, you i got to see you right before you left and i feel so blessed for tour ultimate sacrifice brother. Rest in paradise


Linda Jones

Praying for peace and serenity. God bless you as you travel this difficult path.


Kristopher J. Gould

Miss you everyday buddy. Look forward to seeing you again, one day.


Kristopher J. Gould

Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice, Kris. You are missed.


Deora Bodley

rest in peace


James David Parker

I knew James David Parker as "Dave" when he lived in Solon Ohio. We met when I moved into town from out of state. He and his group of friends were a year or two older than me. Dave was a bright beacon of hope and joy to me. I was an unsure young man in a strange place. Dave introduced me to many people and ensured his friends always saved me a seat in the lunchroom. I have fond memories of him and his friends during that time. I doubt so many people would have been as wonderful toward me without Dave's incredible kindness. I've never forgotten his kindness. I hope to be able to pay it forward someday.

Wall Of Prayers


 For Jose Ricardo Flores-Mejia   For Frank E. Adamski III   For Benjamin Walker   For Trevor B. Adkins   For Adam D. Jones   For Laurie Cobb   For Larry E Polley Jr   For Paul C. Holter III   For Alex D Gonzalez   For Christopher D Young   For Jose E Ulloa   For John Michael Roy Curwin   For Derek L. Shanfield   For Marisol Heredia   For John Charles Jenkins   For Todd Beamer   For Steven Paul Chucknick   For Geoffrey Perez   For Linda Jones   For Kristopher J. Gould  
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