Col. Harry Allen Austin Past President of Atascadero Rotary Club

Col. Harry Allen Austin Past President of Atascadero Rotary Club

Paul Harris Honoree Harry Allen Austin joined the Nebraska National Guard in 1911; he was a Captain when his unit was activated to Regular Army duty in 1916. The 5th Nebraska Regiment was assigned to protect the US border from the bandit Poncho Villa. When WW1 began Captain Austin served a tour of duty in France. He was an Army Infantry Company Commander. Another Captain Harry Truman was an serving close by with his Artillery Unit. Both Harry’s were farm boys before the war. When the war ended Harry remained an Army Officer, serving with gallantry and excellence in all his assignments around the world. When WW2 started Harry was a LT.Col. his last duty assignments was at Camp Roberts. His wife Selena and I purchased a stone house in Atascadero. They were famous for the large barbeque parties. In 1944 he retired. In 1950 he was a charter member of Atascadero Rotary and served as Club President 1954-55. He continued to be an active member of Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, VFW, and American Legion until his death in 1959. We are proud to Honor Col. Harry Allen Austin for a Life of Service with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. Our Clubs past president 2004-05 Dennis Salts is Col. Austin’s nephew.