Soldier with local ties killed in Afghanistan

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

— A Fayetteville soldier, the nephew of one-time residents in the Gravette and Sulphur Springs area, died Jan. 7 of wounds suffered during fighting in Afghanistan.

Army Spec. Ethan Hardin, 25, and a soldier from Texas died when insurgents attacked their unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire, according to the Defense Department.

His parents are Lucille and Tom Hardin of Fayetteville. Mrs. Hardin is a sister of Leona Stinnett of Gravette.

Hardin was part of Operation Enduring Freedom, operating in the Logan Province. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 45th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.

He was a graduate of Fayetteville Christian Schools and affiliated with MissionBoulevard Baptist Church in that city where his funeral service will be held Jan. 22 at 1 p.m.

His pastor, Brian Disney, said he and Ethan had lunch together the last time the soldier was home on leave.

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, DArk., offered condolences to Hardin’s family and friends.

“Specialist Hardin’s patriotism and courage make him a true American hero,” Pryor said in a written statement.

News, Pages 2 on 01/19/2011