My guess is that you do not know Barrett L. Austin. I would also venture a guess that you do not know the town of Easley, South Carolina. And in this day and age, we never will know unless we take our time and look for these youngsters and their stories.
Why is that important? Sad to say that this morning, I am doubting we do care anymore. But maybe you can help me come to better grips with all of this, a better insight beyond America not caring anymore. Honestly, I do not know and am clouded by my bias against being force-fed minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day the tragedies of the past months. Please understand here that I in no way minimize all that has happened. We have been hit by our enemies and by crazy people in the name of God knows what. There are bad people who do bad things for reasons that are hard for many of us to fully understand. And after all the media “get the widow on the set” coverage, it still boils down to bad people doing bad things to everyday good people. All tomorrow’s laws, rules and regulations, imposed on good people, will never erase the (set to action) of bad, cruel and cowardly people. To me, this is important because others are sacrificing and my country no longer pays attention.
Barrett L. Austin “graduated from Pickens High School”; his little sister is a senior there today. The folks and town of Easley, SC, “won’t forget him.” “A loss like this impacts the entire community” says the principal of Pickens High School. “The family is in our thoughts and prayers.”
Private First Class, Barrett L. Austin, 20 years old, was wounded in combat due to hostile fire (IED) six days after the April 15th terrorist attack on Boston, 2013. Private Austin was fighting in the Wardak area of Afghanistan and passed away at Landstuhl Reginall Medical Center in Landstuhl Germany.
Barrett L. Austin’s parents will not be getting a ride on Air Force One. The family will not be inundated with teddy bears or a myriad of national media asking why this happened, nor will bells be set to ringing in memory for him for the rest of time, from far corners of this country, in honor and respect. Barrett’s photo will not be in every TVscreen corner or covered in print media every time an American soldier is killed in war. Barrett L. Austin, his family and his town will not be nationally encouraged to “Keep Running” nor nationally comforted that “We’ll be right here with you.” But in the hearts of Austin’s family, he will never be forgotten. In his home town high school and in the town of Easely, South Carolina, Barrett L. Austin will forever be honored and remembered.
And thank God for local communities. Maybe that is all that is really needed. Those close to us who care and drop everything when we are in need. And I bet that Barrett’s family does not need to reach out and say “we need help and comforting in these trying times”. Help and support arrives for as long as it is needed from local caring hearts. Deep inside, it is who we are. If there is any saving grace that I return to these days, is that the heart and minds of the people in this great country have yet to collectively wake up. I so yearn for that day.
This young man gave his life in service of his country. He gave his life so you and I can sleep safely at night. He gave his life so we can build our lives and grow our families in peace and safety. He gave his life so we can “Keep Running.”
And his life, his story, his family and his town are as worthy of our note, remembrance and respect. Least we not forget. Least we not continue to give this great nation away for a song and dance.
To Barrett L. Austin, his life, his family, his friends, his high school and his town; thank you for your service and sacrifice. I know and honor you today, in these times when the media drowns us in only the stories of recent tragedies.
And because I took the time to look for you, Private Austin, I will never ever forget you.
Alan V. Olsen
Combat Pilot
Vietnam 66-67-69
New Hampshire