Airman Hardisky was born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and grew up in Luzerne, Pennsylvania. He began studying tuba in the fifth grade. He graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School in 1998. He attended Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and did graduate work at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002. His teachers have included Jay Krush, Abe Torchinsky, Dan Perantoni, and Anthony Kniffen.

In addition to his busy work schedule, Airman Hardisky plays semi professional football; he also enjoys rock climbing, paintball, and art museums. He is married to the former Jessica Fornshell, and the couple have a daughter, Gabrielle.