ArkansasNBC -- Army Sergeant William Labadie of Bauxite, Arkansas, who was killed in Iraq, is being remembered for his hard-charging way of approaching life.

The 45-year-old Labadie was south of Baghdad Wednesday when he was killed by a wound to the chest.

His mother, Cheryl Winters, says her son was eager to serve in the conflict. She says her son knew that at age 45 it may be his last chance to be involved in combat.

Labadie died just two weeks after being deployed. Labadie was assigned to the First Cavalry, 39th Brigade, Troop E-151 Cavalry at Camp Taji in Kuwait.

Governor Huckabee says he met Labadie on a visit to Fort Hood, Texas, back in January.

The governor conveyed his condolences to the family on behalf of all Arkansans.