FORT BRAGG — Dozens of mourners watched as a jet landed at Pope Army Air Field Saturday morning carrying the remains of Staff Sergeant Ian McLaughlin, one of two paratroopers killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan.
- The body of Staff Sergeant Ian McLaughlin returned home Saturday
- McLaughlin was among two soldiers killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan
- Veterans group, The North Carolina Patriot Guard was among those there to welcome the fallen soldier home
As the plane carrying his body slowly crept toward a hangar, it was covered with water by two fire engines. Once it stopped, the flag draped coffin that held McLaughlin was removed from the plane.
The pain for his family was very evident. SSGT McLauglin's widow was escorted to that coffin, which she very gently touched for a few minutes.
Among the group of mourners was the veterans group, the North Carolina Patriot Guard. The group says it was important for them to be there to show their support for not only the family of this fallen soldier but to all service members who have served.
"Whether they're in the service for a week...or 40 years, they will always be remembered," said Steve Havens, a member of the group.
A procession of motorcycles and other vehicles led a procession that escorted McLaughlin's body from the post to a funeral home in Fayetteville.
Also killed in the Afghanistan bast was PFC Miguel Villalon. Both soldiers were combat engineers with the 82nd Airborne Division.
