“Bows for Barrett” Shows Community's Support

Community members are showing physical and virtual signs of support for a local man who died serving his country, and for his family.

Pfc. Barrett Lyle Austin, 20 died April 21 in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained when his vehicle was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device in Wardak Province, Afghanistan on April 17, according to the Department of Defense.

Barrett was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. 

Austin's wife Heather and his parents Curtis and Yolanda were able to travel to Germany and were at is side when he died.

The community rallied soon after it heard of Austin's injuries and that support has continued after word arrived that he had passed away.

When Barrett's family returned to the area Monday night, they were greeted with yellow ribbons and American flags lining their neighborhood.

Many people gathered on the streets of their neighborhood, holding ribbons, candles and flags in a show of support. Many were wearing blue, Austin's favorite color.

Some were Austin's classmates at the Dacusville schools and Pickens High School. Some were friends of the family. Some had no personal connection to the Austin and his family at all, but wanted to show the family support and gratitude for Austin's sacrifice.

Businesses throughout Dacusville, Easley and Pickens have messages to Barrett Austin and his family on their signs and windows.

“We lost a true hero,” reads one.

That support continues online as well. “Bows for Barrett,” is a Facebook page created soon after Austin was injured. The page now has hundreds of member, many of whom have replaced their profile pictures with a picture of Austin in another show of support. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/561138963917196/

Messages of condolences and support are being placed on the Facebook page. People are sharing what they're doing in honor of Austin and his family. Photos of yellow ribbons and American flags placed at people's doors, on their mailboxes and elsewhere are being shared for the family to see.

Several people are offering to make yellow ribbons for anyone who wants one.

Funeral arrangements for Barrett Austin have yet to be announced.