More detail on this person: TERENCE K.
LAUGHLIN, LTC, USA (Ret.), age 63, beloved
husband, father, and grandfather (affectionately
called "Pops"), passed away peacefully of cancer
on Monday, March 1, 2010, surrounded by loving
family at his home in Springfield, Virginia.
He was the son and only child of Robert and Mary
Elizabeth Laughlin. Terry grew up in Berkley,
California and from a tender age exhibited a love
for people, pets and sports that he would carry
throughout his lifetime.
Terry graduated from the United States Military
Academy at West Point in 1968 with a BS degree.
He later earned an MA from Webster University in
St. Louis, Missouri, in 1980, while attending CGSC
at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas the same year.
In between earning his academic degrees Terry
served a year in combat in Vietnam. The year was
1970. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal (Valor),
Meritorious Service Medal (3 Awards), the Air
Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (Valor), and
the Combat Infantry Badge. His other awards
include a Ranger Tab in 1968, Army Aviator Wings
in 1971, and the Legion of Merit in 1989. Terry
had the privilege of reconnecting with many of his
former comrades in arms at a recent DC reunion of
the 1/5 Cavalry from Vietnam. The occasion
redefined the meaning of "war bonds."
As an Army Officer, his career spanned 21 years,
stationed both at home and abroad, with memorable
tours in Germany, Georgia and the Netherlands.
Upon arriving stateside in 1983 Terry was assigned
to the Pentagon, his last duty assignment. He
retired from the military in 1989 with the rank of
lieutenant colonel.
Terry had lived and worked in the Washington area
since 1983. Upon retirement he worked as the
Director of Government Relations, Congressional
Liaison, and was currently employed as a
Professional Staff Member for the United States
Senate Committee on Armed Services, where he
was responsible for military construction programs
for the Department of Defense. A job near and dear
to his heart.
Terry's ready smile, laughter and presence will be
greatly missed. He taught others to love and value
life, to see the glass as half full, to never give
up but continue to press forward, to take
everything with a grain of salt, and to make time
for fun! He truly led by example.
The void left by his absence is immense. His
quiet, unassuming nature belied the depth of his
character and emotion which carried his family and
friends so close to his heart. His imprint upon
our lives and hearts shall remain forever, and we
are blessed for having known and shared in his
life's journey. He left us too soon!
Terry Laughlin is survived by his loving wife of
41 years, Kathy; three wonderful children: Tracy
Keenan, Christopher Laughlin, and Ryan Laughlin,
and four delightful grandchildren: Ryan and Meghan
Keenan, and Parker and Haleigh Laughlin. He will
be greatly missed by family, friends and
colleagues.
Forever loved and held in our hearts! KTCR! Until
we meet again at the banquet table, keep you clubs
and scorecard ready and enjoy the paths with
Coby!
The family will receive friends at Fairfax
Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road,
Fairfax, Virginia on Friday, March 12, 2010 from
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and where services will be
held on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. A
military funeral will be held on Wednesday, June
16, 2010 at the Ft. Myer Chapel at 11:00 a.m.,
followed by burial in Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to
Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 111 Rockville Pike,
Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850.
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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