Landon graduated from Arkadelphia High School in May 2004, and left for the army the very next month to serve as an indirect fire infantryman. Landon was assigned to the Army's 6th Squadron, 8th Cav. Reg., 4th Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. based at Ft. Stewart, Georgia. 

Landon had a thirst for playing sports and seeking new adventures. He played football in Junior High School, soccer at Arkadelphia High School, he loved to ski and snowboard, he played in local youth league baseball programs, and became a certified scuba diver at the age of 12. He went deep-sea fishing off the coast of Australia, surfed in Hawaii, rode an elephant through parts of Thailand, and even went on a jungle safari. 

Joining the army and fighting for his country in Iraq, his family says, was Landon's next life adventure. While his family did not want him to go, there was no stopping Landon once his heart and mind seized upon an idea. He told his sister, Jenny, it was better for him to go than for a man with a wife and children. Landon heard news reports about the human rights violations occurring in Iraq and wanted to help people who were unable to help themselves. 

Landon gave his life to serve our country and will forever be remembered as a brother, son, hero, and friend. My deepest condolences go out to his mother, Kim Giles; his father, Alan; two sisters, Jo Ann and Jennifer; stepmother, Cynthia Kay Giles; two stepsisters, Angela and Alana Giles; and a stepbrother, Geremy Giles. I know Landon was proud of his service to the U.S. Army and to our country. He will be missed by his family, fellow soldiers, and all those who knew and counted him as a friend.