[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL RICHARD W. LAUGHLIN ON THE 
                       OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to stand before 
my colleagues in the House to pay tribute to a special person in Ohio's 
Fifth Congressional District. This year, Lieutenant Colonel Richard W. 
Laughlin, Professor of Military Science and Leadership at Bowling Green 
State University, will retire after 20 years of distinguished service 
in the United States Army.
  Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Laughlin graduated from the United 
States Military Academy at West Point in May of 1984. His hard work and 
dedication at West Point, the Army's pinnacle of leadership, was 
exceptional. Upon graduation, he branch selected artillery.
  LTC Laughlin graduated from the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course 
in 1985, and his competence and professionalism in that field served 
the Nation well as he advanced in rank. Over a period of 8 years, 
serving at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and at Fort Richardson, Alaska, LTC 
Laughlin was promoted to first lieutenant and then to captain while 
serving as Fire Direction Officer, Battery Executive Office, S2, 
Headquarters Battery Commander, and as assistant S3.
  Assigned to the University of Pittsburgh as an assistant professor 
for military science in 1993, LTC Laughlin was awarded the Governor's 
Cup for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the best ROTC battalion in 
the state in 1994. While serving as Chief of Operations for the 1st 
Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, he was promoted to the rank of 
major. He then transferred to Fort Hood, Texas to serve as Rear 
Detachment Commander, 82nd Field Artillery. Under his able leadership, 
the 82nd trained and deployed thousands of combat-ready soldiers to the 
Bosnian conflict in 1999.
  LTC Laughlin began his current assignment as a Professor of Military 
Science at BGSU in 2000. Under his guidance, the ROTC program has been 
forged into a respected hallmark of the University, with program 
members participating in numerous campus events. LTC Laughlin's 20-year 
commitment of distinguished service to his country leaves as its legacy 
a stronger Army of able combat-ready forces, and a generation of 
students inspired by his dedication and courage.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute 
to the steadfast patriotism and unwavering spirit of Lieutenant Colonel 
Richard C. Laughlin. I am confident that his example will serve as an 
inspiration to a new generation of soldiers who, like him, will be 
brave and vigilant guardians for the United States and its citizens. 
May he now enjoy the freedoms and liberties that he has so ably helped 
to protect over his distinguished career.

                          ____________________