MERCER COUNTY NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION  FORT INDIANTOWN GAP (7 Jan 06) – LTC Michael McLaughlin was killed by a suicide bomber at an Iraqi police recruiting station in Ramadi, Iraq, Thursday, Jan. 5. The 10:55 a.m. blast also killed a U.S. Marine, some 80 Iraqis and injured dozens. LTC McLaughlin, 44, Mercer, Pa., was speaking with Iraqi leaders and police recruits when the blast occurred. McLaughlin was a member of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division (Mechanized). He is the first officer of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard killed in action since World War II.   Spc. Adam Brown, 21, Warren Center, and Spc. Matthew Gibson, 26, Carlisle, received minor injuries in the attack. They have returned to duty. “Colonel McLaughlin was a hands-on leader who died working to ensure Iraqis will one day be able to provide their own security,” said Governor Edward G. Rendell. “Midge and I are deeply saddened, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the McLaughlin family.” McLaughlin was a private contractor in Mercer. He was a 1980 graduate of West Forest High School, Tionesta, and held a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. McLaughlin joined the National Guard in April 1980. “Mike died doing his job the only way he knew how – out front with great enthusiasm and courage,” said Col. John L. Gronski, commander for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “He was a very close friend. My heart and my prayers go out to his family.” McLaughlin is survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents and one brother and one sister. He will be posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge. Memorial services have not been scheduled at this time. Twenty-three Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers have died in combat in Iraq.