The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Town marks retirement of Army officer
EAST HAMPTON — The family of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. E6 Arron McLaughlin recently surprised him with a party celebrating his retirement in his hometown.
He is the son of Donna McLaughlin of East Hampton.
Arron McLaughlin joined the Army between his junior and senior years of high school, completing his basic training at Fort Sill, Okla., then returning to complete his senior year. He graduated from East Hampton High School, according to a press release from Ann McLaughlin.
While being trained as an infantry motorman, Arron McLaughlin was sent on his first tour of duty to Iraq.
His second tour was in Afghanistan, and, while conducting operations in Nuristan Province, his unit came under fire, and he was injured, the news release said. He was eventually awarded a Purple Heart for his efforts.
After receiving a Purple Heart, Arron McLaughlin was assigned to the 1-102 Infantry Regiment Air National Guard.
Upon returning home after a “difficult” tour of duty, Arron McLaughlin was a number of
awards, including the Army Commendation Medal (for the second time), Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army
Achievement Medal, and the Combat Infantry and Action Badges.
He lives in the Moodus section of East Haddam with his wife, and children, Callie and Camden.