[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 154 (Wednesday, October 21, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S7409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

          REMEMBERING TECHNICAL SERGEANT STEPHANIE McLAUGHLIN

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today we honor the life and service 
of TSgt Stephanie McLaughlin, whose passing signifies a great loss to 
both our State and country. I send my condolences and prayers to her 
parents, Sharon and Fred; her partner, Harold Kiesling; and the rest of 
her family in this time of mourning. Technical Sergeant McLaughlin was 
an incredible servicemember, going above and beyond to defend our 
freedom and uplift the local military community. She was an invaluable 
member of the Nevada family, and her service will never be forgotten.
  Technical Sergeant McLaughlin was born on April 27, 1974, and 
attended North Hunterdon High School in New Jersey, where she graduated 
in 1992. She joined the U.S. Air Force in 1993 and then the New Jersey 
Air National Guard in 1997. Throughout her career, she served at 
Langley Air Force Base, Virginia; the Pentagon, Washington, DC; McMurdo 
Station, Antarctica; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and Carson City Joint 
Force Headquarters, Nevada. She worked for several two, three, and four 
star generals during her service, including Maj. Gen. Ron J. Bath, 
retired. Most recently, she served as confidential assistant to the 
adjunct general of Nevada, Brig. Gen. William Burk. Her efficiency in 
her work and devotion to her job could never be replicated.
  Throughout her service, Technical Sergeant McLaughlin was awarded 
numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal, four Air 
Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Force Commendation 
Medal, and two Air Force Achievement Medals. I am grateful the Nevada 
family was given the opportunity to work with Technical Sergeant 
McLaughlin and learn by her example.
  She embodied only the greatest of Nevada's values with passion, 
fearlessness, and drive that made her a remarkable individual. Her 
legacy of empathy and determination will echo on for years to come 
throughout the Silver State. She was one of a kind, and we are lucky to 
have had such a strong individual working within our State. We will 
always remember her for her courageous contributions to the United 
States of America. My office enjoyed working alongside Technical 
Sergeant McLaughlin, and I am thankful for all of her hard work and 
dedication to veterans across Nevada. She was always the first one to 
volunteer in helping others, which was shown both throughout her career 
and throughout her time working in the local community.
  Technical Sergeant McLaughlin was a shining example in Nevada's 
military community and put forth a tremendous effort working with the 
Nevada Military Support Alliance. She deeply cared for veterans across 
the State, bringing together hundreds of Nevadans to support our 
wounded and fallen warriors, their families, and loved ones. Technical 
Sergeant McLaughlin sacrificed countless hours helping plan events and 
fundraisers in support of our State's heroes. I had the pleasure of 
attending multiple Nevada Military Support Alliance galas planned by 
Technical Sergeant McLaughlin and have seen firsthand the incredible 
impact she had on Nevadans, active military servicemembers, and 
veterans. The footprint she left on this community will be felt for 
years to come.
  Throughout her life, Technical Sergeant McLaughlin demonstrated 
unparalleled selflessness, both in defending our Nation and in 
supporting her fellow servicemembers. Her patriotism and drive will 
never be forgotten. Today, I join the Nevada family in celebrating the 
life of an upstanding Nevadan, TSgt Stephanie McLaughlin.

                          ____________________