06/08/2026
We’re kicking off DHM Crew Stories, a new series highlighting the people behind the work at David H. Martin Excavating and the paths that brought them here. Each member of our crew brings their own story, experience, and perspective to the job site.
First up is Sarge Barrett.
Equipment Operator, Utility Crew
Sarge’s birth name is Michael, but he has always gone by his middle name Bryan. In the Marine Corps he was nicknamed Big Country. When he joined DHM in 2022, Lane Brunner called him Sarge and it stuck.
Young Sarge was raised by his Grandma in the hollers of Kentucky. As a teenager every Halloween a group of them would set tires on fire in the middle of the road then take off on their 4 wheelers before the cops showed up. Sarge played football at Western Kentucky for a year until he hurt his knee. Grades weren’t great so he left and joined the Marine Corps. He served eight years including combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sarge said, “The Lord saved my life many times but took all my buddies. It’s a miracle I’m even alive. Ask me sometime about it. Most likely I won’t tell you, but I’m grateful for God sparing my life.”
How did you get to PA? “Sara and I met on a missions trip. Her church came to Kentucky for a week to run a VBS for our local kids. We only had about 10 adults in our entire church and maybe 10-15 kids. She schooled me in basketball and I ended up moving up to PA a year later. Be careful going on missions’ trips if you’re single, you may end up with a spouse.” Sarge and Sara have two daughters, Madison (14) and Macie (6). “I never thought I’d be a girl Dad, but I love it.”
Hobbies - catching catfish, shooting guns, collecting baseball cards, camping
Words to describe you - loyal, hard-working, always hungry
Favorite quote or scripture - Psalm 23
“I’m just a southern hillbilly from Kentucky who loves working at DHM and finally feel like I belong somewhere with people who get me. Haven’t felt like this since I left the service.”
