I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, Operation Joint Guardian and Operation Octave Shield. The IGTNT title is a reminder that far too often the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Both soldiers were killed in action yesterday when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The soldiers were conducting operations as part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission. The incident is under investigation. The deceased are: Staff Sgt. Ian P. McLaughlin, 29, of Newport News, Virginia and Pfc. Miguel A. Villalon, 21, of Joliet, Illinois. ~ DoD News Release
'When our nation called for its best airborne combat engineers to deploy into harm's way, Staff Sgt McLaughlin and Pfc Villalon answered without hesitation. 'They lived their motto, 'Essayons' (Let Us Try), and embodied the values of the All-American engineer. Their loved ones are now surrounded by a caring community offering comfort and assistance through this difficult time.” ~ Col. Art Sellers, Brigade Commander
“Staff Sgt McLaughlin and Pfc Villalon represent the very best of our nation and our Army. Three-time volunteers, they went when our nation called and paid the ultimate sacrifice. They will be honored, mourned, but never forgotten and we are committed to taking care of their families for life.” ~ Major General James Mingus, 82nd Airborne Division Commander ~ News Source
Staff Sgt. Ian P. McLaughlin
Staff Sgt Ian P. McLaughlin joined the Army in 2012. After he completed both basic and advanced training, he was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas as part of the 68th Engineer Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion. In 2016 he was re-assigned to Fort Bragg, NC to the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. McLaughlin graduated from the US Army’s Advanced Airborne Jumpmaster Course in 2018. He was serving as Squad Leader on this, his first deployment.
McLaughlin’s mother, Glenna Carroll said she will ensure that his children will always remember how much their father loved them.
"It's a great loss. It's a tremendous loss for all of us. His whole world was his children and his wife...And he is just the perfect example of a wonderful father, a wonderful son, and man. And he served his country bravely."
"It's just a devastating loss. It's devastating and I will do everything I can to share his memory and I know their mother will as well because I know he's the light of her life as well. It saddens me, but I'll do everything that I can to make sure that they know all about him and how much he loved them." ~ News Source
Virginia Governor, Ralph Northam issued the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the news that Staff Sergeant Ian P. McLaughlin, of Newport News, was killed January 11, 2020, along with Private First Class Miguel A. Villalon of Joliet, Illinois, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Their loss is a reminder that our men and women in uniform across the globe continue to do dangerous work in pursuit of peace. Pam and I send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of these men, as well as to their fellow soldiers. I know I speak on behalf of all Virginians when I say that we are deeply grateful for their service and indebted to them for their sacrifice.”
Virginia Senator Mark Warner issued this statement:
"Virginia lost one of its finest this weekend when Staff Sergeant Ian P. McLaughlin from Newport News was killed while serving in Afghanistan. My heart is with Staff Sergeant McLaughlin’s family, friends, and fellow soldiers during this time."
Staff Sgt. McLaughlin’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with "C" Device, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Action Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge.
Staff Sgt. Ian P. McLaughlin leaves behind a wife and four children and his mother.
~ News Source
Pfc. Miguel A. Villalon
Miguel Angel Villalon attended elementary school in Brownsville, Texas then graduated from East Aurora High School in 2017 where he was a NJROTC cadet and served as captain of his JROTC Drill Team.
This was Villalon’s first deployment.
“East Aurora School District 131 is mourning the loss of Miguel Villalon. Villalon, 21, attended East Aurora High School and was an NJROTC cadet. He was one of two United States service members killed on January 11. We are grateful to Miguel for his courage and service to our nation. We extend our sincere condolences to Miguel’s family, friends, and all those who loved him.” ~ Facebook
During his high school years, Miguel was part of a “squad” comprised of his three best friends Marlo Guzon, Rodrigo Hull and Gerardo Franco.
Marlo Guzon described Miguel as a steadying influence within their group.
"The first day I met him I made him take the Harry Potter Pottermore Quiz. And he got Gryffindor; those who get into Gryffindor are very chivalrous, courageous."
"The last message I sent was please come home in one piece and be careful because I'm watching the news."
Rodrigo Hull said his friend Miguel always made time for others and was considered a peacemaker. "Thanks to him making the ultimate sacrifice, people like us can have freedom"
Gerardo Franco recalled “the squad” gathering the day before Villalon was supposed to ship out where the young men hit all their favorite spots — Navy Pier, Chinatown and the BomboBar, an ice cream venue in the West Loop.
"I didn't expect it to be the last time I would see him." Franco added that he has a cousin serving in the military and understands that death can happen. "Sometimes we overlook it. All we do is hope it doesn't. When it does, you're not prepared for it."
Leslie Duval, Miguel Villalon’s aunt and godmother said Pfc Villalon would be buried in Brownsville, Texas. “We’re bringing home a hero.”
Arnold Fernandez, Pfc Villalon’s older brother said Miguel was eager to join the military from early on. “My mom found a picture of him when he was 3 and he was actually wearing an Airborne Army shirt.”
Fernandez said his brother was responsible from a very young age. “My brother was an overall amazing person and I want everyone to know he left a hero, and he just really wanted to help people and serve his country.”
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin issued this statement:
"Sadly, Miguel made the ultimate sacrifice as he protected our freedom from the front lines. The City of Lights shines much dimmer because of this loss. We’ll stand with his family and provide support. Godspeed, young soldier...”
~ News Source ~ News Source ~ News Source ~ News Source
Pfc Miguel A. Villalon’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with 'C' device, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
Pfc Villalon is survived by his mother, father and siblings.
I Got the News Today" is a series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifices made by our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and allows our community to show respect for the fallen and express condolences to those who mourn them. These posts usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service member(s) mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.