David Michael McLaughlin

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of David (Dave) Michael McLaughlin on May 9th, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dave was born in Pendleton, Oregon on February 18, 1966, and attended St. Joseph Academy, John Murray Jr. High and graduated from Pendleton High School in 1984.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force (AF) and began his life’s career upon graduation.

After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), Texas he completed his technical school training as a Medical Service Specialist at Sheppard AFB, Texas. Dave’s first permanent duty station was Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, Montana.

While in Montana he welcomed two daughters: Jessica & Jacquelyn. In 1989, David met the love of his life and soulmate, Dianne Sobecki and they married in 1990.

Dave started his military medical career working in Labor and Delivery, which he absolutely loved. He then went to work with Dr. Butler assisting in Same Day surgery. He then moved on to the Emergency Room. His growth and experience in the Emergency Room set him apart from his peers and aided in his selection to train as an Independent Duty Medical Technician (IDMT). He served at Malmstrom AFB for 20 years. During that time, he also loved the many hunting trips with his family and many friends in both Montana and Oregon. As a lifelong Oregon Ducks fan Dave was known to tell everyone, even strangers, GO DUCKS! Dave was then reassigned to Okuma Joint Service Recreational Facility, Okinawa, Japan where he served as the Senior IDMT for 1 year. After Okuma, he moved to Kadena Air Base (AB), Okinawa serving 3 years as the Flight Chief of the Aeromedical Staging Facility.

His military career took him all over the world. Dave deployed to many locations, first being Incirlik AB, Turkey for Operation Provide Comfort, second was Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait for Operation Southern Watch, third was Kuwait Intl. Airport and Camp Doha, Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm and King Faisals AB, Jordan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, all serving as an IDMT. Dave also participated in a Humanitarian medical mission to Jamaica and deployed to Vietnam and Laos as the Senior IDMT for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, to search for and recover remains of US servicemen MIA from downed aircraft during the Vietnam War. Dave retired in 2009 after 24 years of honorable and faithful service, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.

Decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, AF Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, AF Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and 15 oak leaf clusters, AF Good Conduct Medal with 8 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with 1 service star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 service star, Global War on Terrorism, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, AF Overseas Ribbon-Short Tour, AF Overseas Ribbon-Long Tour, AF Expeditionary Service Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 5 oak leaf clusters, USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with 2 oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the AF Training Ribbon.

The lives he touched during his life’s journey were innumerable. Dave was a husband, father, grandfather, friend, compassionate medic, mentor, and professional leader who was loved by all.

He was preceded in death by his mother, MaryLou and father Michael McLaughlin.

Dave leaves behind his wife and soulmate of 33 years, Dianne, daughters Jessica (Oli) Ponce-McLaughlin, Jacquelyn McLaughlin, granddaughter Elinor Morgan Ponce-McLaughlin, sister Jacque Kurz and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Dave’s name may be sent to the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/donate

A memorial service will be held on June 5th, 2024, 1430 at the Nellis Air Force Base Chapel, Las Vegas, Nevada.