Anyone who met 19-year-old Army Pfc. James J. "Spanky" Harrelson instantly became his friend.

"He didn't have an enemy," said Christopher Baker, Harrelson's older brother.

Harrelson, of Dadeville, Ala., was killed in Baghdad by an IED July 17, 2007, while driving a Humvee in a convoy as part of the Army's 1st Infantry Battalion. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.

PFC Harrelson

Harrelson joined the Army right after he graduated from Dadeville High School in 2006, his mother said, and had been in Iraq for only a couple months.

"He wanted to continue his education and serve his country," she said. Harrelson planned to go to college after his stint with the Army.

Dadeville High School football coach Richard White said Harrelson always had a smile on his face.

"If things weren't going good he would cheer you up," White said. "It's really sad. I'm going to miss that smile. He brought a smile with him when he walked."

White said Harrelson talked to him about the future toward the end of the 2006 school year.

"That was probably a good choice at the time since he needed financial help to go to college," White said of Harrelson's post-Army plans. "Now, looking back, it may not have been a good choice."

Harrelson's brother, Christopher Baker, who served a tour in Iraq as a sergeant with the Marines, said his family was deeply saddened at the loss of their loved one, but was also proud that his brother gave his life in the service of his country.

"He considered it his duty," Baker said. "He believed in serving his country."