Pickens Soldier Severely Injured in Afghanistan

A soldier from Pickens has been severely injured in Afghanistan.

Barrett Austin was injured Wednesday in an explosion, according to family friend Courtney Huckaby, who had been updated on Austin's condition by Barrett's mother.

Once Austin is stable enough to be moved, he'll be taken to Germany for additional treatment.

On Thursday evening, a prayer vigil was held in the parking lot of Sunburst Salon & Spa. A large crowd gathered to lift up Austin and his family in prayer.

“We're praying on behalf of a brother, and a son, and a friend, and a soldier,” prayed Nick McClellan, associate pastor to students at Brushy Creek Baptist Church. “That truly connects him with every single one of us. No matter how well we know him, we know that today and yesterday and the day before, he was looking out for us, the whole time he was over there.”

McClellan led the vigil, which included hymns and a very moving version of the Lord's Prayer set to music.

“Give us this day our daily bread — that's saying give us what we need to survive today,” McClellan said. So we're saying, 'God, get us through the night, get these parents through the night, get this family through the night.' Right now I can't imagine what a mom and dad are going through, waiting by a phone for good news or bad news or no news.”

McClellan said that it was already tomorrow in Afghanistan.

“Lord, you're already there as well,” McClellan said. “We're praying that tomorrow brings a brighter day for Barrett and his family and his wife.”

Austin's wife, Heather, is doing well with support of family and friends, Huckaby said.

Heather Austin and in her inlaws, Yolanda and Curt Austin, will travel to Germany once their Barrett Austin arrives.

Employees of Sunburst Salon & Spa, which is owned by Yolanda Austin, are collecting donations on behalf of Barrett Austin and his family.

The donations will be sent directly to Austin's family to help with expenses, including overseas flights to be at his side.

“Flights to Germany, I can't imagine,” Huckaby said. “But I know there's no price – they would pay anything to be there.”

Donations can be dropped off at the salon, which is located at 1729 Powdersville Road, Easley, across from the Easley campus of Tri-County Technical College.

Donations of items are also being accepted.

“Like toothbrushes, deodorant, candy and cookies, mainly stuff you would send in care boxes,” Huckaby said. “Stuff to remind them of home.”

Items can be brought to Sunburst Salon & Spa.