Sgt. Scott P. McLaughlin, 29, of Hardwick, Vermont was a member of the Army National Guard’s 1^st Battalion, 172^nd Armor Regiment, 42^nd Armor Division, St. Albans, Vermont. He died in Ramadi, Iraq on September 22, 2005 as a result of small arms fire. The following are a few words written by his parents, Kevin and Vickie McLaughlin of Jericho, Vermont.

Scott had light brown hair and big dark brown eyes.

He stood lean and trim at 5’11” tall.

He always had a big smile.

He was well liked and had a big heart.

He was genuine.

He had a good sense of humor.

He was a son, brother, uncle, father, husband and a solder.

He was a quiet, gentle young man.

He loved nature, hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, bonfires, barbecues,

Red Sox and the Patriots.

He loved his family dearly.

He was very excited about his new home in Hardwick with his wife and children.

He enjoyed exploring his woods and fixing up his house. He was also excited about

Planting his own garden. And was even thinking about raising beef, as he had a

Barn out back on a hill.

He wanted to plant an apple orchard and build a sugar house. He had a lot of plans for the future, including teaching his son Tyler to hunt and fish.

He went into the Marines the day he turned 18. After 9/11 he joined the National Guard

Saying he had more to do in service for his country.

He was in task force Sabre and went to Ramadi, Iraq.

As much as he hated leaving his family, he felt he needed to go.

He put his trust in our Heavenly Father to see him through.

We miss him very much.