Community remembers Patrick County soldier killed in Iraq

5:16 p.m.

Flags flew at half-staff Monday in the small community of Ararat in Patrick County.

A sign next to one of the flags said “Remember Our Fallen Soldiers.”

On this Memorial Day, the area has one special soldier in mind – 1st Lt. Leevi Barnard, 28.

He joined the North Carolina Army National Guard in August of 2004.

He was killed Thursday in Baghdad while on his third tour in Iraq.

“People don’t realize until it hits home how it affects people’s lives,“ Dude Smith said.

Smith is one of the many people in Ararat who knew Barnard.

“You never had no problems out of Leevi,” Smith said.  “Everybody liked him.  He was just out serving his country.“

Barnard played football and baseball at Patrick County High School.

We spoke with one friend over the phone who grew up with him and now lives in Ohio.

“He was just a sincere, hardworking, good natured guy,” Matt Dunlap said.  “He was just one of those guys who would give you the shirt off his back.“

Dunlap says Barnard was in the JROTC and always wanted to serve his country.

“I just hope people out there who are grilling their hamburgers and spending time with their families appreciate the sacrifices men like Leevi took part,” he said.  “He gave his life for the freedom of America.“

According to a statement from the Patrick County school superintendant, all school flags will be flown at half-staff until Barnard’s funeral.  Tuesday all teachers and students will recognize a moment of silence in his honor.

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10:59 a.m.

WSLS News Staff

The Army says Lt. Barnard was part of a trio of soldiers killed in Baghdad last Thursday.  Army investigators say the three soldiers were attacked by enemy forces who used IEDs (improvised explosive devices).

A news release says Lt. Barnard joined the North Carolina National Guard in August of 2004, as a member of a MLRS (Multiple Rocket Launch Systems) unit, which is used for artillery.

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10:00 a.m.

WSLS News Staff

A Patrick County soldier has maid the ultimate sacrifice, fighting for our country.

A news release from Patrick County Public Schools states Lt. Leevi Barnard was killed in action last week.  He was from Ararat, and a 1998 graduate of Patrick County High School.

The school system plans to hold a moment of silence on Tuesday, May 26th in honor of Lt. Barnard’s memory.  Flags at the county’s schools will be flown at half-staff.

10 On Your Side’s Lindsey Henley is headed to Patrick County to bring you more about the story of this local hero.  Watch her story on WSLS at 6:00 p.m.

If you knew Lt. Leevi Barnard, e-mail us at