“I can’t express enough about physical fitness,” states 75-year-old Ron Laughlin, a very busy retiree from Preston, Minn.
Laughlin grew up in Madison, S. Dak., and went to school with Sandy Amundson, who he would reconnect with and marry years later. After graduating in 1961, Laughlin enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
He was a Gunner’s Mate, serving aboard the USS King. Laughlin served in Vietnam, where he lost his best friend, Frank. He, like many veterans, does not talk about his time there often or to very many people.
After he was discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1966, Laughlin worked in an auto parts store in California, had his own appliance repair business after that, and then worked at Yosemite National Park.
At the time he was working at Yosemite National Park, his mother “played cupid” and set him up with Sandy, whom she adored. It wasn’t long before Ron adored Sandy as well and they got married. In 1991 they moved to Preston.
Laughlin worked for Strongwell in Chatfield, Minn., before performing maintenance for the school and then for Fillmore County.
After retiring at the age of 63, “I wanted something to do,” he explains. He was contacted by Larry Hunt, the Veterans Service Officer for Fillmore County at the time, about driving veterans to their appointments at the VA hospital in Minneapolis, Minn.
“Before I was hired to drive ,a lot of older veterans told me they couldn’t drive up there anymore and they have to rely on the van,” he states. He has been driving the veterans for 12 years now and says, “I have really enjoyed it,” and he plans to continue for the foreseeable future. Laughlin recently received a coin in appreciation of 6,256 hours of volunteer driving — this number shows the level of commitment Laughlin has to his fellow veterans.
In December 2017, Laughlin was the recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service by Fox 47 television station, after being nominated by Gabby Kinneberg with the Preston Chamber of Commerce. In June of this year Laughlin was chosen to represent Fox 47 at the Jefferson Awards Annual Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Laughlin and his wife spent three days in Washington, D.C. and each of the recipients from around the country gave a one-minute speech, including Laughlin.
Laughlin stated, “This is not all about me; it’s about these veterans that have written a blank check to the government to give us the freedom that we have — that’s why I do it.” And, the veterans he gives rides to appreciate the ride and respect Laughlin as a fellow veteran.
Even with so many hours spent on the road each week, Laughlin still finds time for many hobbies and interests. He is an active member of the American Legion and is the squad leader for the Preston/Harmony memorial rifle squad. He is also an active member of the VFW.
He was on the committee to get the veterans cemetery in Preston and is now on the committee to get the veterans home in Preston.
Laughlin enjoys spending time with family in the cities and out of state and taking other vacations with Sandy. He loves spending time gardening and he also has a passion for cooking, and is always trying new recipes.
Church also plays a very big role in the couple’s life, as they are very involved in their church, Christ Lutheran Church of Preston.
Spending time at the fitness center is a priority for Laughlin and his wife. Laughlin believes it helps a person both mentally and physically to stay active and exercise. “My doctor even tells me, ‘You have to stay active,’” he says. “I tell people you gotta get out and do things.”
When asked for any tips, hints or advice for growing older gracefully he says, “Family is important,” explaining that grandkids can keep you young by simply spending time with them.
Another tip Laughlin has is, “Stop smoking — I wish I would have quit 30 years ago,” he says.
Possessing a positive attitude as we age can be difficult sometimes but having positive people around you helps. “Sandy has made it easy for me to be positive,” says Laughlin. “I’m not positive all the time,” he conveys, but he does his best to look on the bright side of things.
For anyone who has spent even a short amount of time with Laughlin, it is not hard to understand why he has been recognized for his dedication and commitment to his fellow veterans — but Laughlin spends his time trying to making sure that every veteran is recognized.
It is quite an honorable and valuable way to spend his retirement years.
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