PFC Ira Benjamin Laningham

B Co. 2/10 IN
US Army

PFC Laningham's Act of Heroism

My son was KIA in Charkh, Afghanistan. They were returning from a mission, when the vehicle he was driving hit an IED.

My Hero

My son wanted to serve in the Army right out of high school. During his high school career he was the TAPS trumpet player for all veteran's funerals. He felt that these men were heroes that deserved to be honored. I was opposed to his joining the military, and ordered him to go to college. My son, reluctantly agreed, for a while, he eventually returned to his initial dream, "....to become an American soldier....to do something bigger than myself Mom....I want to do something that makes a difference..." he said. Without my knowledge, he enlisted, then he stood in front of his very strict, and very opinionated mother, and gave me the news. At that moment, I stood in front of a man. This boy had made a decision that very few in our country make, to serve in the military. And, he did this knowing that he could incur the "wrath of the Mom", as he would lovingly joke. My son is a true American Hero because he followed his dreams, and he lost his life doing something that he loved. He was an American soldier defending the country that he loved.

Letters

01/11/14
My son, my hero,
I find a small measure of comfort in knowing you loved what you were doing; you were "an American soldier". Your sacrifice will never be forgotten, for as long as live, and breathe, I will honor your memory, celebrate your life, and love you infinitely.
Loving you, and missing you like crazy,
Your Ma'