Fallen Marine Jason Barfield To Be Honored As Fellow Marines, Others Pay Tribute
By: Ken Curtis
Updated: September 11, 2012
A ceremony honoring the one year anniversary of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jason Barfield's death is planned next month in Ashford. Barfield was killed in an explosion which occurred in Afghanistan as Barfield was serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.
"This is a way we can honor Jason and we're particularly excited to have several Marines with whom he served in Afghanistan coming in for the ceremony," said Ray Barfield, Jason's father. "We're so grateful for community support we have received.
A few days after his death, Barfield's body was returned to Dothan---a procession that passed hundreds who lined the Ross Clark Circle to pay respects to a hometown hero. Barfield was a 2008 graduate of Ashford High School. (Click on video player above the story to see a portion of processional.)
His death is, in large part, responsible for a change in state tax law. The law exempts wages earned by a service member killed in a designated combat zone, as well as the wages earned by their spouse. The bill was introduced and supported by State Senator Harri Anne Smith and Representative Paul Lee. (Click here to see governor sign bill into law as Barfield family looks on.)
The remembrance event is planned October 27 at the train depot in Ashford. The ceremony itself begins at 11:00 AM but a DVD depicting Barfield's life will begin at 9:00. T-Shirts and other memorabilia honoring Jason's life will be sold. Proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots and a group that helps wounded warriors enjoy outdoor recreational activities.
