ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Albany County held its first Honor-A-Veteran ceremony of 2025, recognizing Joe King McLaughlin, who served in the United States Army as a Technician on the Red Ball Express during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
The trucks driven by Black soldiers on the Red Ball Express supplied the Allied Forces moving quickly through Europe.
“The Germans, the most advanced army on the earth at the time, were still dependent upon trains, horses and wagons as they were trying to resupply," explained Watervliet Arsenal Commander, Colonel Jason W. Schultz, "a lot of times, logisticians stand in the background. They do the work that doesn't really get recognized as much. Right? But you can't win without them.”
Born in Waynesboro, Mississippi, McLaughlin eventually moved to Albany, where he and his wife raised their children.
“He loved and cherished his children," said Manch McLaughlin, "each and every one of us, individually and collectively.”
King McLaughlin was a civil engineer for over 30 years with Callanan Industries and became owner and operator of McLaughlin Grocery Store. He passed away in 1981, but his legacy of service continues through his children, including Albany County Legislators Carolyn McLaughlin and Wanda Willingham, as well as the generations that follow them.
"We are passing on what we learned and they're picking it up," said Carolyn.
"My brother's grandchildren talk about that they have an obligation to continue forth with the legacy that they knew about their family, and that there was no way that they were going to disappoint the McLaughlin name," said Wanda.
The family accepted several proclamations on Joe King McLaughlin's behalf. Mayor Kathy Sheehan proclaimed the day as "Joe King McLaughlin Day" in Albany.
