Barrett was born in Greenville Memorial Hospital on November 10, 1992.

Raised in Pickens County, SC in the Dacusville community, he loved sports (particularly baseball), deer hunting and pretty much everyone he ever met. From the first time he was able to walk and hug, he was the most loving little fellow God ever made. Barrett never met a stranger and had an ever-present infectious smile that drew people to him. He was always the first to help someone in need even if it meant trouble for himself.

In 2002, Barrett accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized at Berea First Baptist Church. During his short time here, he was able to show others the love of Jesus through his love and concern for others.

Inspired by both his grandfathers who had served in the armed forces (Air Force and Army), Barrett started expressing his interest in joining after high school so he could serve. He had a genuine desire to serve and that’s where his passion was.

Barrett graduated Pickens High School in May of 2011. By October of that year, he enlisted in the United States Army and was sworn in that December at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. Barrett was assigned to the MOS of Combat Engineer. I remember asking Barrett if he understood that the combat engineer’s job was probably the most dangerous job, looking for and detonating enemy explosives. His response was the typical Barrett response “well, someone has to do it, why not me?”  In March of 2012 he was shipped to Fort Leonard Wood Missouri for Basic training. After graduating in June, he spent the next 2 months there to complete his AIT.

Barrett was stationed to Fort Stewart in Georgia to Charlie Company 4-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion in August after AIT. His company was not slated for deployment but in December that year, he and one of his buddies were selected to transfer to Alpha Company who were scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in February 2013. Alpha Company deployed to Wardak Province in Afghanistan assigned to route clearance. On Wednesday, April 17 while on mission, Barrett was driving the lead sweep vehicle that came across an IED that was remote detonated. Injured along with 3 others in the vehicle, Barrett had to wait several days to stabilize for a flight to Landstuhl Germany where he passed from his injuries.

Barrett’s memory and legacy continue to live on and inspire others as we hear countless stories from his friends of what Barrett did for them. To date, there has been one Mine Detection dog (served in Iraq), one police dog (currently serving in Greenville County), and four babies named in Barrett’s honor.

A flag sponsored by his parents in memory of Barrett Austin will be displayed at location A-9 throughout the 2024 Upstate Field of Honor®.