TF Patriot leaders, comrades honor fallen Soldiers

LOGAR PROVINCE – Sgt. Wallace Trahan said that he remembers the day Laningham came to his squad, and immediately became Trahan’s driver. “Day one, night fall, Spc. Thomas Servias and I began playing the ‘movie game’ and Ira wanted in saying, ‘Oh, I watch movies all the time,’” recalled Trahan. “As it turns out, he knew maybe 3 actors, causing us to tag him ‘worst movie game player ever.'

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It became a constant source of whole-hearted laughter for us, because he would never give up. He always wanted to play. Ira was persistent and loved a challenge.” Army Pfc. Ira Laningham IV, 22, (above left) and Army Sgt. Ethan Hardin, 25, both assigned to Co B, 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Regt’s TF Storm, were killed during a complex attack using an IED and small-arms fire, while on a patrol to detain suspected terrorists in Charkh District, Jan. 7. Spc. James Wartes said that Laningham was one of the funniest guys he ever met. Wartes would always be happier, or just be smiling, after spending only a few minutes with Laningham, who loved to quote movies and could make anyone laugh. “His laugh will be missed. One major memory I have of him is me cutting his hair and halfway through, as I was changing out tips, he thought I was done, got up and said, ‘Thanks,’” said Wartes. “At the very moment I was going to say, ‘I’m not done,’ everyone looked at his halfway done haircut, and just busted up laughing.” Spc. James Hairston said that Laningham was one of the best friends he has ever had, and reminded Hairston of himself. Laningham would go to Hairston when he had a problem. Hairston said he could confide in Laningham the same way, and they would often just sit and talk for hours. Among Hairston’s fondest memories of “Ben”, Laningham’s nickname, is the time he took Laningham and his soon-to-be wife Stephanie, “Steff,” to a justice of the peace to be married. “Steff sat in the back seat of my car and broke the seal to the door. I was a little mad but things happen,” said Hairston. “Ben told me that he would fix it when we got back home. On our way ... we stopped at the shoppette. I was pumping gas and Ben went to get something to drink. “When he went to get in the front seat of the car, he broke the front seal - two in one day. I was mad, but Ben and Steff laughed so hard I couldn’t help but laugh too,” continued Hairston. “I forgave him at that moment. At the justice of the peace, I sat watching Ben and Steff say their ‘I dos.’ I have never in my life seen two people so happy. He will be missed by many.” Laningham’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal with Star Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge. Before the formal memorial service for Army Sgt. Ethan Hardin, several brothers-in-arms reflected on what Hardin meant to them. Sgt. Andrew Lujan said that 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 that getting to know Hardin was a great experience, and being assigned to HQ Plt afforded him the opportunity to develop close relationships with Hardin, and the rest of the Company Intel Support Team (COIST) 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.” Sgt. Robert Yeager 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,” 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'll always be there; and we will never forget him.” Spc. Erik Mitchell said that there's 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.

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