The 2002 Somerville High School graduate, whose "War Diary" is a regular feature of The Somerville News won honors in the Department of the Army’s 2004 Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Journalism Awards Competition.

Spec. Matthew McLaughlin, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Installation Troop Command, captured first place in the feature articles category for his story titled “Fearless citizens risk lives for Iraqi future.”

McLaughlin advanced to the Army competition after winning first place in the category at the Installation Management Agency Northeast Region judging.

At the regional level, McLaughlin also took second place in the Rising Star category for outstanding new writers and second place in the story series category for articles about the Iraqi National Guard and 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers.

After winning first place in the feature articles category for the Army, McLaughlin will represent the Army in the Department of Defense Thomas Jefferson Awards Competition.

McLaughlin, who serves on the Fort Drum Blizzard staff, is currently deployed to Iraq with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team.