Before Colonel Kelly Laughlin served for over 30 years with the U.S. Army, he was an honor student and standout wrestler for Shawnee High School. 

Following graduation, he excelled at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, graduating in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Laughlin went on to earn both master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Oklahoma.

His distinguished career includes a long list of command and staff positions, including Deputy Commander DCMA Afghanistan, Director of Plans for the Joint Contracting Command in Iraq and Afghanistan, Military Deputy to the Advanced Engineering Technology Board and Commanding General for the Tank and Automotive Command.

He was awarded the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Award (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with five Oak Leaf Clusters), Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and many other decorations for service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.