Captain in the U.S. Marines

Killed in action in Afghanistan

Outstanding athlete

Natural leader

Nicknamed "The Bull"

Capt. Brandon A. “Bull” Barrett, Marion High School Class of 2001, was killed in action in Afghanistan while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. Barrett was an outstanding athlete, avid outdoorsman, a loyal and dedicated friend, and a natural leader, whose passionate commitment to the Marine Corps and to his troops was insurmountable.
While at Marion High School, he was a three-sport athlete every year, and he maintained a grade-point average of 3.5.
Barrett graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., in 2006. He served with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Lejune, N.C. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from March to October 2008, and again in December 2009.
He received many awards during his military career, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal.
Barrett passed away at the age of 27, on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, serving his country as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Five months into his second deployment, he was shot by Taliban insurgents while conducting his duty. He was posthumously promoted from first lieutenant to the rank of captain.
He was laid to rest on May 15, 2010, in Gardens of Memory, just north of Marion. That day is now recognized every year in Marion as Capt. Brandon A. Barrett Day.
In Barrett’s honor, and according to his wishes, family and friends created a scholarship fund in his name through the Community Foundation of Grant County. Since 2011, scholarships have been given in his name to support Marion High School graduates as they continue their education. In addition, in 2014 the Brandon Barrett Hero Fund was created through the Community Foundation, dedicated to giving back to the Marion High School athletic department. Barrett’s service and heart continue to inspire all who knew him in life or hear of his legacy.