Sgt. Ethan Hardin had big dreams. After traveling the world in defense of his country, he planned to start a small business in his native city of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Soldiers who served with Hardin, from Europe to the Middle East, were in awe of his ambition.

"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 Spc. Erik 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."

According to the Pentagon, Sgt. Hardin, 25, was killed on January 7 in Afghanistan's Logar province. He died alongside Pfc. Ira Benjamin Laningham IV, 22, who this blog recently profiled. Officials said the soldiers, who served with the Army's 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, were attacked by terrorists using improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

Tom Hardin, the departed warrior's father, told 40/29 TV in northwest Arkansas that his son was heavily guided by faith.

"As a family we have a close relationship with Christ and we know that Ethan did," Tom Hardin said.

With that deep belief in God and commitment to service came a sense of humor that earned him the nickname "EZ" -- for his easygoing manner -- from fellow soldiers and friends back home. 

"He was always concerned with making sure everyone was happy. He was definitely the peacemaker of our group," sixth grade classmate Olivia Marie Yates posted on a Facebook tribute page. "The last text he sent me...all he was talking about was how our class needed to get back together. He just wanted everyone to love each other."

"Little did he know how much we all love him," she continued. "He will be so missed."

At an Afghanistan memorial service, which was covered by Sgt. 1st Class Matt Meadows, the grieving soldiers of Task Force Patriot echoed those authentic sentiments. They feel fortunate to have served with Sgt. Ethan Hardin. 

"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."

The impact of Hardin's death also echoed through one of our nation's most powerful chambers, when Arkansas Congressman Steve Womackspoke about one of his state's fallen heroes on the House floor.

"Nicknamed 'EZ' for his easygoing personality, Sgt. Hardin was also a veteran of the conflict in Iraq," Rep. Womack said. "Sgt. Hardin was the product of a loving Christian family, and a 2004 graduate of Fayetteville Christian School. His dedication to God and country defined him, as both man and soldier."

One cause important to Ethan Hardin, who the Army posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant, was protecting military funerals from hateful and disruptive protesters. To their infinite credit, the Patriot Guard Riders were there to shield Sgt. Hardin's loved ones after his tragic passing.

"I know he would want all of us smiling and like Olivia said, loving each other," Doug Francis wrote in the memorial group. "He really was a peacemaker, and a good man."