Posted by Dale Hajost on May 22, 2003:

While reading the thoughtful remarks in Dominic Baragona's eulogy section today, I decided to see what was written under Barry's name. I was surprised and a little embarrassed to find that none were written. That's a shame. I do not think about Barry everyday but I do think about him often. When I do, I invariable wonder how much better the Army and the world would be with him. We lost an exemplar before he even got a chance to make a mark outside of school. While in school I knew Barry well. Probably not as well as Charlie Fletcher and Scotty Francis (his ubiquitous buddies), but well enough in a close-knit cadet company like F-3 to have been his roommate, occasional weekend pal, and Firstie year Spring Break travelmate to St. Thomas, VI. Barry was a rock - physically fit, mentally strong, and never prone to stress (unlike all of his plebe year classmates). He completed Ranger school while a cadet and was incredibly unassuming for having accomplished something so difficult so early. After graduating Barry was on his way to what inevitably would have been a stellar career in the infantry. Who would have thought that his heart would give out on probably one of the easiest formation runs of his life while in Airborne School? I was at Fort Benning that day and learned of his fate from some other buddies who showed up to help me celebrate my 22nd birthday. August 6th will now always have two meanings to me - it will always be at least the one day a year I remember Barry and pray that God rests his soul. Thanks, Barry for the time we had. Mount up!

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