School retires jersey of fallen soldier

BERTHOUD - Justin Bauer was only 24-years-old when he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

He died in January on his second tour of duty in Iraq, but his spirit of service will leave a lasting legacy at his high school.

Near the football field in Berthoud, a new flag pole was dedicated in the soldier's honor.

Community donations paid for this tribute, Berthoud High retired his jersey, and the fire department retired his badge number.

His father said the outpouring of help from the community has been overwhelming.

"This community, the Berthoud, Loveland community has gone out of its way for a young man who made this community what he wanted to come back to when he was done with all this," Greg Bauer, Justin's father, said.

Bauer served in the same unit as his grandfather - the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

The family tradition will continue with Justin's youngest brother. He's now in boot camp and will also join the 82nd Airborne.