Community Corner

Community Celebrates Pfc. Barrett Austin's Life

Austin remembered as "true American hero."

Those gathering to say goodbye to a local soldier remembered Private First Class Barrett Austin as many things — a husband, a son, a brother, a friend, a “fine Dacusville boy,” “a hero who sacrificed his life for this great country we cherish so much.”

A service celebrating the life of Pfc. Barrett Austin was held Wednesday afternoon at Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Austin died April 21 in Germany from injuries sustained while serving in Afghanistan.

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A friend and fellow service member remembered Barrett Austin as a young man who had many “wild and amazing adventures.”

Austin was “peaceful,” “kind at heart,” “a reflection of his parents” “the one person you could always count on” and someone who had “more energy than a 5-year-old.”

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Brigadier General John Hort, Deputy Commander at Fort Stewart, said he hoped that as Barrett's family and friends struggled with their grief, that they could also feel pride for the service he rendered to his country.

“He represents the best our nation has to offer,” Hort said. “He was a true American hero. He believed in something bigger than himself. He believed in his family, he believed in his friends, his teammates and he believed in America, giving his life in defense of our great country and everything it stands for.”

Hort said he'd learned that Barrett Austin had a room-shaking laugh and a positive, contagious attitude.

Someone told Hort that Barrett was like “our own little Uncle Si from 'Duck Dynasty,'” a comment that drew laughter from the crowd.

Although Barrett Austin lost his life at a young age, “he exemplified what a successful life should be,” Hort said.

“Making those around him better, happier and richer in spirit,” he said. “He will truly be missed but he will never be forgotten.”

Hort then presented Austin's wife and parents with his medals and ribbons.

Each of those medals and ribbons was “rightfully deserved,” said Dr. David Gallamore, Pastor of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

“The politicians may get the publicity, the athletes may get the big salaries, but it's the soldier that keeps us free,” he said.

Barrett's sacrifice is reminiscent of “the greatest soldier who ever lived – Jesus Christ,” Gallamore said.

“He too went on the battlefield and he fought valiantly and he did not give up and he did not stop until he paid that ultimate price for your sins and for mine.”

Gallamore said he hoped today's service would be a renewal for the cause of freedom and would help America rally around the men and women still serving overseas.

“Barrett fought for them as well,” Gallamore said. “He really felt like this was what he was supposed to do with his life.”

Before the service began, the many Patriot Guard Riders who would be serving as Austin's escort received their instructions from mission leader Ray Reid.

The Patriot Guard Riders served as a flag line before the service and at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

A message displayed on many riders' vests summed up their mission: “Standing Up for Those Who Stood Who Us.”

Another rider's vest bore another moving message: “For Those Who Come Home/For Those Who Did Not Come Home/For Those Who Have Yet to Come Home.”

Lou Chapman of Greenville and her sister, Betty Corn, stood outside Rock Springs Baptist Church Wednesday afternoon waving their American flags. Neither of the ladies knew the young soldier, but have family members who went to church with him.

Corn's grandson is a U.S. Marine stationed in California.

"We are here to support our troops," Chapman said. "Not one boy should have lost his life in this war and it doesn't look like it's ever going to be stopped."

Corn said that war has always been a part of life. She said she remembers World War II. "We used to honor those soldiers when they came home, but we need to honor them every day."


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