Austin grew up in Weatherford, Texas. After graduating from North Hills Private School in Millsap in 2008, he moved to Senoia, Georgia. He lived there until September 2009, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He loved the outdoors and especially looked forward to Thanksgiving at deer camp with his family. Fishing, camping, and hunting were among his favorite pastimes. Above all, his greatest joy was his son, Kallen. A taxidermy bobcat he shot remains in his family’s living room—a lasting reminder of his spirit and love for nature.

After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Five months later, he deployed to Afghanistan. On November 29, 2010, he was among six soldiers killed when a border policeman opened fire on their American trainers en route to shooting practice.

In 2018, Austin’s mother, Kaye Jordon, honored his memory by completing the Cycle to Celebrate legacy challenge. She rode from San Diego to New York City—a journey they had dreamed of taking together after his return from deployment. Austin’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.