FORT CARSON, COLO. -- Fort Carson held a memorial service Wednesday morning for the latest in a recent group of Mountain Post soldiers who died in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk died April 15 from wounds he suffered during an IED attack.

The Dyer, Ind. native was an infantryman assigned to Fort Carson's 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

"He was a good NCO," CPT Shayne Heap, friend and fellow soldier, said. "His soldiers loved and respected him."

Nowaczyk joined the Army in September 2005 and earned several medals for his service that include two Bronze Star Medals and a Purple Heart.

Those close to Novaczyk described him as a role model for other soldiers. Though tough at times, he was also known for his sense of humor.

"He always made us laugh," SPC Nathaniel Murry, another friend and fellow soldier, said. "I would definitely follow his example. Pretty much everything he did was the right way to do it, and he got the job done."

His most recent deployment began March 3. He had previously been deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 and 2009.

"Even though he is not with us right now," Heap said, "he'll never be forgotten."

Nowaczyk is survived by his wife, daughter and stepson.