ABOUT

Meet Eric Laughton

Eric Laughton - Founder

Major Eric Laughton concluded his distinguished 32-year career with the New York State Police as the Troop Commander of Troop "E." Throughout his tenure, he served in various roles, including undercover narcotics, leading a counter-terrorism unit (SIU). In addition to this, Eric retired from the United States Air Force after four decades of service as a Colonel. His final position was as the Wing Plans Officer at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Attack Station, having previously held the role of 107th Medical Group Commander.


Eric is an esteemed authority in leadership and self-improvement, as well as the acclaimed author of three top-rated books: "The 4M’s of Success," "The Success Equation: Success + Attitude = Mastering Life," and "Decisions and Consequences: A Cop’s Guide to Parenting Responsible Teenagers." In addition to being a certified motivational speaker, Eric is a distinguished member of the John Maxwell Team, serving as a coach, trainer, and speaker. His expertise also extends to fitness, having excelled as a professional bodybuilder before retirement.


Eric has embarked on a solo venture, delivering compelling speeches and coaching individuals with his proven leadership strategies. His debut book, "From Coma to Competition," chronicles his actual near-death encounter and his remarkable ability to transform adversity into triumph by employing his unique 4M method. Despite enduring ongoing health challenges stemming from this event, Eric remains resilient. Although his tale shares common threads with others, his survival of a brush with death that few have overcome is a testament to his remarkable journey. This episode, however, does not define the central narrative of his life.


His goal with this and all his books is simple: to bring hope to the hopeless, the ones who have suffered serious medical setbacks; to learn how to live despite what life throws at you; and how to use your attitude to succeed in life.

PROFESSIONAL RESUME ​


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Colonel Eric L. Laughton is the Wing Plans Officer in Charge at the 107th Attack Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, NY. He directs the 107th Attack Wing exercise and readiness movements, encompassing operations, medical, and mission support group.



Col Laughton is a 1999 graduate of Nyack College, Nyack, New York, and a 2004 graduate of SUNY Albany with a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1985 and completed an active-duty tour at Homestead Air Force Base. He then transferred to the 107th Security Forces Squadron within the Air National Guard. Col Laughton transferred to the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and served as a Health Services Specialist. He was commissioned in 2000 and held the position of Health Service Administrator for 17 years at the 109th Airlift Wing and the 107th Attack Wing. Prior to his current position, Col Laughton was the 107th Medical Group Commander, 107th Attack Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, NY, where he oversaw all medical operations and compliance in support of the State and Federal mission requirements, as well as various aspects of strategic planning and analysis.


Col Laughton served as a New York State Police (NYSP) Major within the civilian capacity as Troop Commander of Troop “E”. He

oversaw all NYSP operations for ten counties. Col Laughton has served the NYSP in a variety of positions, including being the officer in charge of the Western Region Special Investigations Unit (SIU), special investigations unit investigator, undercover narcotics investigator, NYSP academy leadership instructor, and NYSP academy training officer. Col Laughton retired from the NYSP in 2020 after nearly 32 years of service.


EDUCATION

  • 1999 Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, Nyack College, Nyack, N.Y.
  • 2004 Master of Science in Criminal Justice, SUNY Albany, Albany, N.Y.
  • 2004 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence.
  • 2017 Air War College, by correspondence
  • 2018 Commander Development Course, Andrews AFB, Md.


ASSIGNMENTS

  1. 1984–1985, Service Specialist, 33rd Services Squadron, Homestead AFB, Fla
  2. 1985–1995, Security Specialist, 107th Air Wing, Niagara Falls ARS, N.Y.
  3. 1995–2000, Health Service Specialist, 139th Aeromedical Evacuation, Scotia, N.Y.
  4. 2000–2012, Medical Service Corps Officer, 109th Medical Group, Scotia, N.Y.
  5. 2012–2017, Medical Service Corps Officer, 107th Medical Group, Niagara Falls ARS, N.Y.
  6. 2017–2017, Inspector General, 107th Attack Wing, Niagara Falls ARS, N.Y.
  7. 2017–2022, 107th Medical Group Commander, 107 Attack Wing, Niagara Falls ARS, N.Y.
  8. 2022-Present- 107th Wing Plans, 107th Attack Wing, Niagara Falls ARS, N.Y. 


MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS


  • Meritorious Service Medal w/ 2 devices
  • Air Force Commendation Medal w/ 1 device Air Force Achievement Medal
  • Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/ devices
  • Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
  • Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal w/ 5 devices
  • National Defense Reserve Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism service Medal
  • Air Force Longevity Service w/ 4 devices
  • Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ 2 devices
  • Small Arms Expert Marksmen Ribbon 
  • Air Force Training Ribbon


EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION


  1. Second Lieutenant May 30, 2000, First Lieutenant May 30, 2002,
  2. Captain May 30, 2004
  3. Major May 30, 2008
  4. Lieutenant Colonel January 23, 2014
  5. Colonel June 28, 2018


CERTIFICATIONS, MEMBERSHIPS, AWARDS


  • 2016 Theodore Roosevelt Association National Police Award recipient
  • Professional speaker for the State Dept of Corrections (CAYLA)
  • Numerous military medals
  • John C. Maxwell Team Executive Director| Certified Speaker| Leadership Trainer & Coach
  • Leadership speaker/trainer – New York State Police Academy & USAF
  • Behavioral Analysis Consultant of the DISC Model of Human Behavior & Leadership
  • Former Member of Toastmasters, Toasted Sage Chapter


PUBLISHED AUTHOR


• Author of three leadership books, published on Amazon and on Audible.com


Contact Eric

Let's have a discussion on how Eric and the Laughton Leadership team can help you surpass your goals. 


Don't wait another moment. The time is now. The person is you. Take the leap and start leading. 

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