Switzerland Co. bridge renamed in honor of Patriot native who made ultimate sacrifice

(PATRIOT, Ind.) – A Switzerland County bridge has been renamed in honor of a local soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Barry Lynn Brinegar grew up in Posey Township, enlisted in the U.S. Army and earned the rank of Corporal. 

Brinegar deployed to Vietnam in July of 1970 and worked as a Tactical Wire Operations Specialist. 

He was only 19-years-old when made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Quang Ngai Province on February 8, 1971. 

State Senator Randy Maxwell authored legislation to rename the bridge spanning Wade Creek on State Road 156 east of Patriot to the “Corporal Barry Lynn Brinegar Memorial Bridge.”

The legislation was sponsored by local State Representatives Garrett Bascom and Alex Zimmerman. 

“Corporal Brinegar is the only individual from Patriot, Indiana to be killed in action in the Vietnam War; and it is right, proper and befitting to rename the bridge spanning Wade Creek in honor of a young man who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country,” the resolution stated. 

Family members of Brinegar were joined by Maxwell, Bascom and community members for a dedication ceremony on Saturday afternoon. 

The ceremony took place during the Town of Patriot’s Independence Day celebration which has included a parade, the unveiling of a new mural on the Masonic Building, and fireworks later tonight.