NOVO SELO, Bulgaria- People join the Army Reserve for many different reasons. Some join for the experience and possibility to travel the world; others join for the financial benefits to include paid college tuition through the GI Bill. Spc. Michael McLaughlin, 766th Engineer company, 841st Engineer Battalion, United States Army Reserve, joined because he felt the call to serve a country that has given him so much. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, McLaughlin immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 and grew up in Georgia. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army to become a combat engineer; known in the Army has a “12B”. McLaughlin served over 5 years on Active duty traveling to Missouri and Germany before joining...
