"He had some toughness that I always admired of him and I think anybody that knew him knew the same thing," said Paul Fairlie.

That's how Paul Fairlie of Candor remembers his son, Private First Class Nathan Fairlie.

Since learning that Nathan was one of the latest US casualties of the Iraq War, Fairlie has reflected on the good memories he and his son shared.

"He was looking forward to coming home, spending some time , doing some hunting, being with the family."

Fairlie was a 2004 graduate of Candor High School, where he played football.

His father says hunting was one of his favorite hobbies.

Nathan's best catch, a ten point buck, still hangs in the family living room.

Fairlie loved outdoors life, one reason why he joined the Army.

His father says he wanted to be on the front lines, in the middle of the action.

He enlisted a few months after graduation, and left for his first tour in Iraq last October.

His father talked to him last Monday, and says Nathan knew he was facing a tough assignment.

One he knew he might not return from.

"He just said, whatever happens just be proud of me. And we are, we're going to miss him."

Fairlie's father says he'll remember his son every time he passes this tree in their front yard.

It was planted the year Nathan was born.

It stands sturdy and strong.

The way Fairlie served and died for his country.

Fairlie was scheduled to return home early next month.

His funeral plans won't be finalized until his body is flown home from overseas.