Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand ForksHonoring a Hometown Hero

Honoring a Hometown Hero

He's being remembered as the humble soldier with an intellectual sense of humor. Hundreds packed the Fosston High School gym to pay their respects to Sergeant Matt Harmon.

Harmon was killed two weeks ago in Afghanistan after his vehicle hit a roadside bomb. And at the school where he graduated, family, friends and fellow servicemen gathered this afternoon to celebrate his life and loyalty to this country.

Through prayers and hymns, a community comes together to remember a fallen soldier. 29-year-old Sergeant Matt Harmon -- a dedicated officer who's life ended suddenly on August 14th after his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. It was the soldier's third deployment after serving two tours in Iraq.

"Matthew touched many people during his 29 years of life," says Rev. Mark Faugstad who officiated the memorial service.

"Matt always chose the hard right over the easy wrong. He was dependable, competent, and a courageous soldier and leader," says Brig. Gen. Michael Lally.

The loving husband, and father of three was known as the mechanic with a unique sense of humor and always one to make everyone he knew smile.

"Sgt. Harmon could always be heard having daily conversation on any topic with anybody at any time," says Lally. "From quantum mechanics to the merits of humans versus zombies at the event of a zombie apocalypse."

An intellect that shined during Sergeant Harmon's service in the military. His sacrifice is recognized today as the army awarded Harmon's family with the bronze star medal and purple heart.

"Matt Harmon has now left the mark of tradition for young soldiers to follow," says Staff Sgt. Robert Garza.

A following that was seen from Fosston to Lengby as hundreds stood to pay their respects to a hometown hero.

Harmon's body will be buried at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lengby. The Lengby VFW has furnished the town with flags in honor of Harmon.