| Byron Barron |
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Byron James Barron graduated from Frankfurt American High School (Germany) and not long after joined the Army as an Airborne Infantryman in 1981. His military career as an Airborne Ranger matched his traits and personality: resilient, fearless, adaptable, dedicated, confident, industrious, selfless, fiercely independent and loyal: ARMY STRONG! During his long and distinguished career Byron served as a Paratrooper, Scout Team Leader, Squad Leader, Operations NCO, Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, First Sergeant, Command Sergeant Major, and ROTC instructor. While stationed in Italy, he met and married Marina, the love of his life. As a Staff Sergeant, he was selected as the "NCO of the Year” for the Airborne Combat Team, Southern European Task Force, and United States Army, Europe (USAREUR), and was later inducted into the prestigious Sergeant Morales Club, which recognizes the highest ideals of integrity, professionalism and leadership for enlisted service members serving in Europe. CSM Barron completed Ranger School, one of the Armys toughest courses, where he earned the coveted Ranger Badge. He also competed in the grueling Best Ranger Competition earning 6th place overall. Among other assignments he was a Drill Sergeant for the Infantry Training Brigade, Fort Benning, Georgia; the First Sergeant, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Anchorage, Alaska; and the Command Sergeant Major, 5th Ranger Training Battalion, Dahlonega, Georgia. For the last assignment of his military career, he was the Senior Army Instructor at North Georgia College and State University working with the Faculty and Corp of Cadets to help develop future officers of the United States Army. He retired from the Army in 2007 having shaped and molded a generation of soldiers and future Army Officers. As he strongly believed in fostering youth development, CSM Barron was instrumental in developing and establishing a Junior ROTC program in Lumpkin and White Counties. He was also the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 36 in Dahlonega. His family will always remember Byron as a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, mentor, scout leader, Airborne Ranger, ROTC professor and a dear friend to many. He knew how to love and take care of people. He gave much of himself to others, always willing to offer a helping hand. CSM Barron left an indelible impression on everyone he met. He inspired and led with great integrity and passion. He never gave up on his soldiers or friends. As he often said: “All leaders wear a rank, but true leaders wear the respect of their men." CSM Barron earned this respect. |
