Father mourns fallen Indy soldier

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Indianapolis family and community is mourning the death of a young soldier. Army Private Zachary Nordmeyer’s alma mater, Ben Davis High School, held a minute of silence in his memory Wednesday afternoon.

Nordmeyer's dad, Michael, said his son was deployed to Iraq in September 2008. He said Zach couldn't wait to join the Army following graduation.

"I know that's what he wanted to do. He wanted to do that. He wanted to make a difference over there," said Michael.

Nordmeyer, 21, was with the Army's 25th Infantry Division based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The Department of Defense said Monday that Zach's unit was on a mission when insurgents suddenly started firing. The attack killed Zach and two other soldiers.

"They're the bravest people in the world. It doesn't matter what you do. The kids that fight for our country are the bravest people you'll ever meet," said Michael.

Michael has two other sons who are following in Zach's footsteps. They both go to Ben Davis High School and they're also in ROTC. He said he's going to support his sons' decisions, even in wake of Zach's death.

"If that's what they want to do. All I can do is back them 100 percent," said Michael.

Michael couldn't be prouder of Zach's decision to serve his country and the extreme sacrifice he had to make.

"We're not the first family for this to happen and we won't be the last family for this to happen," said Michael.

A flag with a gold star now hangs in the family's front window. It's the sign of a fallen soldier who once lived there. It's also a reminder that Private First Class Zachary Nordmeyer will forever be remembered.

"As a hero, as a good friend to anybody. He'd go out of the way to help anybody," Michael said.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

School officials will now read Zach's name at every home football game, along with the names of the other fallen veterans who once attended the school.