Pfc Barrett Austin Among Those Honored at Fallen Soldiers Ceremony

Pfc. Barrett Austin was one of seven soldiers honored in Columbia on Monday at the Fallen Soldiers Ceremony.

The annual event, held at the Palmetto Club in Columbia, recognizes those South Carolina service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the past year.

The other six South Carolina soldiers who lost their lives:

• Sgt. Channing Hicks of Greer
• Sgt. John "J.D." Meador of Columbia
• Lt. Ryan Rawl of Lexington
• Chief Warrant Officer Curtis Reagan of Summerville
• Pvt. Adam Ross of Lyman
• Sgt. Brad Thomas of Travelers Rest

Families of those who died were presented a framed certificate from both Houses of the General Assembly, the South Carolina Palmetto State Hero Commendation, and a South Carolina State Flag.

The event was hosted by Sen. Katrina Shealy (R – Lexington) and attended by numerous state officials including State Adjutant General Robert Livingston, State Attorney General Alan Wilson and State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais.