A Hoosier Marine has died in the line of duty. The Department of Defense confirms 1st Lt. Brandon Barrett of Marion, Indiana died Wednesday supporting combat operations in Afghanistan.
He was only 27 years-old. Friends said Brandon Barrett's personality was infectious.
"This is so hard. I was in shock just like everybody else and very, very sad. He always had a smile on his face and it's hard not to see him anymore," said friend Lee Contreras.
The 1st Lt. was assigned to the 2nd Marine division based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He graduated Marion High School in 2001 and was a star athlete. Friends say Brandon was popular and stood out on the football and baseball fields.
"He never backed down from anything. There was nothing that Brandon couldn't do. There was no challenge that he couldn't overcome. He took on everything that you put in front of him. He was just such a great guy," said Contreras.
Brandon graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006, but his friends at home in Marion said he held his Indiana roots dear.
"He was who you wanted to be like. He respected people, people respected him. He was just a go-getter," said Contreras.
Friends said the Marine loved his country, fighting for it, and never took his freedom for granted. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
