TF Patriot bids farewell to fallen hero

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Sgt. Ethan C. Hardin was a 25-year-old Fayetteville, Ark., native assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment’s Task Force Storm, when he was killed during a complex attack involving an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire during a patrol to detain suspected terrorists in Charkh District, Jan. 7.  

LOGAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

01.18.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

By Sgt. 1st Class Matt Meadows

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of Task Force Patriot, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Polk, La., gathered to honor a fallen comrade, Jan. 17.

U.S. Army Sgt. Ethan C. Hardin, a 25-year-old Fayetteville, Ark., native assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment’s Task Force Storm, was killed Jan. 7 as the result of an enemy attack while on a patrol to detain suspected terrorists.

Before the formal memorial service, several brothers in arms reflected on what Hardin meant to them.

U.S. Army Sgt. Andrew Lujan of Gallup, N.M., said Hardin was a friend to everyone in the unit and was the first person to befriend him there. Not having been with the unit long, Lujan said getting to know Hardin was a great experience and being assigned to Headquarters Platoon afforded him the opportunity to develop close relationships with Hardin and the rest of the Company Intelligence Support Team soldiers.

“We would enjoy his humor and stories of Germany. The trip into country was great with late-night runs to Green Beans and around (the transit center at) Manus, (Kyrgyzstan),” said Lujan. “His humor - unforgettable, (his) optimism - amazing, and (it was) nice to just hang out with and joke around with (him)... We will miss you brother.”

U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Yeager of Chesterfield, Va., referred to Hardin as not only a great friend but also a great financial mentor. He said Hardin was one of the most humble people he has had the privilege to meet and had big dreams to go along with his big heart.

“His biggest dream was starting a wireless internet company in his hometown of Fayetteville, Ark.,” Yeager said. “Some memories I will always have of him is when he would watch ‘Payback’ about every other day and him telling other people to ‘stop being a little girl.’ There are many, many more memories of him, and they will always be there; and we will never forget him.”

U.S. Army Spc. Erik Mitchell of Harvard, Mass., said there is no way to describe Hardin quickly because, when doing so, one would think about all of Hardin’s “adventures in Europe, his exploits in Iraq and his plans for the future.” But the one thing about Hardin that sticks out the most for Mitchell was his zest for life and tremendous spirit.

“He fought better, played harder and made his fortune because he couldn’t be kept down. Any time things got rough or difficult; there was a quick smile and a joke,” said Mitchell. “He was simply the one (soldier) I knew would never let this year overwhelm me or anyone else, but now he’s moved on.

“But his spirit, his drive to live life to its fullest, does not move on with his passing,” continued Mitchell. “Remember Hardin as the man he was - a man of limitless talent, a man with an undying spirit.”

Hardin’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; second award; Good Conduct Medal, second award; National Defense Service Medal; Afghan Campaign Medal with Star Device; Iraq Campaign Medal with Star Device; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon, third award; NATO Medal; and Combat Infantryman Badge.

• Date Taken: 01.18.2011
• Date Posted: 01.18.2011 09:15
• Story ID: 63731
• Location: LOGAR PROVINCE, AF