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<p><em>David Roger McLaughlin</em>, the son of Roger and Rose McLaughlin, was born on October 3, 1939 in Chicago, IL. In his formative years, David grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL. His days were filled with swimming, diving, and a variety of odd jobs that instilled independence, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Early involvement in the Civil Air Patrol ignited a lifelong sense of duty and leadership, ultimately guiding him towards the United States Military Academy at West Point.</p>
<p>At West Point, David became a proud member of the “Can Do” Class of 1962 and, by luck, found himself among the ranks of the only “fraternity” in the Corps—Kappa Dos. Members of K-2 were notorious for their devious and mischievous ways, which kept cadet life interesting. The Academy was demanding and formative. David thrived, continuing his competitive swimming career, playing water polo, and, together with his roommate and close friend, Lee Taylor, helping to found the West Point Judo Club. Like many cadets of his era, David learned that perseverance was forged in the daily challenges of academics, athletics, marches, and rigors of Academy life, rather than in grand or singular moments. Through countless marches and exercises in the biting New York winters, he discovered that when physical strength faded, character carried him forward.</p>
<p>In their final year, David and his classmates experienced a defining moment when the Corps of Cadets assembled in Washington Hall to hear General Douglas MacArthur’s farewell address, remembered for its immortal words: “Duty, Honor, Country.” Graduation in June 1962 was equally historic, with President John F. Kennedy as the commencement speaker. Addressing the newly minted officers, President Kennedy reminded them of the moral clarity and responsibility expected of their service. For David and his classmates, these moments became a lifelong compass, guiding how they would serve, lead, and live.</p>
<p>It was during these transformative West Point years that David met the love of his life. He fell for Barbara instantly on a blind date and never stopped pursuing her—even across great distances and assignments. Together, they formed a steadfast partnership that would carry them through a lifetime of shared experiences and journeys around the world.</p>
<p>Commissioned as a Field Artillery officer, David began his Army career with rigorous training that formed his professional foundation, completing the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Ranger School, and Airborne School. He then served with the 82nd Airborne Division. In a moment that could only be described as Uncle Sam’s idea of a wedding present, David was “gifted” orders to deploy to Vietnam as a psychological warfare and civil affairs advisor just two days before his wedding. After a brief time with his new bride, he dutifully reported for service, beginning a career marked by sacrifice and dedication. Later assignments included commanding an artillery battery at Fort Sill, OK; advising the Ecuadorian Military Academy in Quito; and returning to Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in 1971.</p>
<p>The years that followed reflected David’s extraordinary adaptability and diplomatic skill. He served in Ecuador as Army section commander; in Panama, first as a student at the School of the Americas and later as deputy J-5 at United States Southern Command; in Spain as a political and military affairs advisor to U.S. military assistance advisory groups; and in Guatemala as military group commander. After 12 consecutive years overseas, he concluded his service in Washington, DC, as executive officer of the Inter-American Defense Board. He retired in 1992 as a colonel, closing a career defined by honor, humility, and the respect of both allies and adversaries.</p>
<p>In recognition of his service in both combat and peacetime, David was awarded the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, four Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.</p>
<p>For David, retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter. He managed his own business, became a financial advisor, served as city manager of Castle Hills, TX, and later as chief operating officer of Gary Pools, Inc. He remained active in his community as president of the West Point Society of South Texas and continued his love of swimming through participation in the U.S. Masters Swim Team.</p>
<p>Despite his distinguished career, David’s greatest pride and joy was always his family. He was a devoted father to Jennifer Varnes and Kevin McLaughlin, and a proud grandfather to Alessandra Varnes, André Luka Varnes, Emily McLaughlin, and Michael McLaughlin. He was ever-present, cheering at swim meets, horse shows, ballet performances, and sporting competitions. Most importantly, he showed up for the moments that mattered. Through life’s challenges, health struggles, and transitions, he stood by his family with strength and compassion. He embraced his children’s spouses—Michael Varnes and Julie McLaughlin—as his own, celebrating their unions with pride and love. His commitment to guiding others extended beyond his immediate family, touching the lives of nieces, nephews, cadets, soldiers, and others who sought his counsel.</p>
<p>Through every triumph and challenge, David’s faith in God anchored him. His legacy of love, faith, humor, and valor lives on. He was not a saint by far, but the stories endure, and he will be profoundly missed by all. In a fitting tribute to a life defined by service, honor, and integrity, David is now laid to rest at West Point among the Long Gray Line, returning to the hallowed grounds where his journey of purpose and leadership began.</p>
<p><em>— Jennifer Varnes, Daughter, and Family</em></p>
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