Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army SSGT Ian P. McLaughlin, Age 29 of Newport News, VA.
KIA Jan. 11, 2020 Operation Freedom’s Sentinel
SSGT McLaughlin was assigned to the 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
He died when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with “C” device, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge. He was also a 2018 graduate of the Advanced Airborne School Jumpmaster Course. As a Paratrooper, he was part of an elite group, and brotherhood!
He is buried in the McCullock-Moran Family Cemetery in Virginia.
McLaughlin is survived by his wife and four children.
We had a great 10.62 Mile walk today. We walked in the country and got to see the beautiful sunrise this morning. We stopped to see the buffalo and then headed up town to the War Memorial Park. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us today. I want to thank all those that honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero today. We had 202 honks. Thank you.
Army SSGT Ian P. McLaughlin will not be forgotten !
