Jason Hardin of Creston served in the United States Army from 1999-2005 and reached the rank of specialist (E4). He served during combat in Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter crew chief/door gunner.
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CRESTON — Jason Hardin of Creston served in the United States Army from 1999-2005 and reached the rank of specialist (E4). He served during combat in Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter crew chief/door gunner.
Hardin’s service began at Fort Jackson in South Carolina in 1999 before being stationed at Fort Eustis in Virginia in 2000. From 2000-2003 he was stationed in Hanau, Germany and from 2003-2005 he was stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
“I wanted to do something big that I would be proud of,” Hardin said. “I knew college wasn't for me at the time and I wanted to get away and travel. It made me grow up really fast. It instilled a strong work ethic and made me a leader.”
Hardin started as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic before moving up to crew chief/door gunner. His responsibilities during missions included passengers and payloads. He was the crew member hanging out of the window of the helicopter armed with an M60 machine gun to help provide cover during fights and when inserting or extracting infantry to/from the front lines. He was also responsible for the overall maintenance on the helicopter.
“Serving in that position during combat in Iraq was my most unique experience from my service,” Hardin said. “I saw the look on the locals’ faces first hand in Iraq when Sadaam Hussein was captured.”
Hardin met his wife, Jeni, while stationed in Germany. She worked as an automated logistics specialist, supplying parts for Blackhawk helicopters. The couple grew up an hour away from each other, but it took an Army base in Germany for them to meet. They married in Denmark and their oldest son was born in Germany while they were stationed there.
Hardin found civilian life to be a challenge after leaving the service. He struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, but finds strength in his support system, which is led by his wife.
“If I had to do it all over again though, I would,” Hardin said. “My service has helped me become the leader I am today and taught me to look after people as if they were my own family. I have the highest respect for all veterans and active duty soldiers. They sacrifice so much to defend this country.”
Honoring Our American Hero is a series that will print twice a month in the News-Leader. If you know an American Hero you would like to have featured, contact Jeff Helfrich at jhelfrich@rochellenews-leader.com or call 815-561-2151.
