At 8:30 a.m. on June 1st, Hunter Austin, an employee at Hwashin America Corporation in Greenville, was operating a 300-ton press on the production line when it suddenly came crashing down on his right arm and hand, causing severe crushing injuries.
Recently, Austin’s selfless care for his wife RayAnn Neamon and their two sons, James (1) and Hunter Jr. (3), caught the attention of The Greenville Advocate’s sister newspaper, The Lowndes Signal. RayAnn nominated Austin for the My Dad, My Hero sweepstakes, recognizing him as a true hero and a devoted father.
According to Neamon, Austin is someone who constantly prioritizes the well-being of his family. The accident served as a poignant reminder of just how much he places his loved ones’ needs before his own.
Neamon shared that as her husband was en route to Baptist South Hospital, his primary concern wasn’t about the pain he was experiencing or his health condition. Instead, he was worried about how he would be able to continue working to support their family and pay their bills. Despite undergoing a nearly six-hour surgery and losing two fingers, his first thought upon waking up was about holding their newborn and being able to pick up their children. Neamon expressed her admiration for her husband’s selflessness and strength during this difficult time.
Austin is proud to know that his family recognizes his deep care for them and regards him as their hero.
He expressed his feelings saying, “I feel proud, and that’s the best way to describe it right now. I don’t have any other words to express it. It brings me joy that they see me in such a positive light.”
Austin is currently in the process of relearning how to use his hand after the accident. He is uncertain about whether or not he will be able to return to production work in the future. Despite these challenges, Austin remains motivated to maintain a positive attitude, and he hopes to set a good example for his children.
He mentioned that the smile on your children’s face is a source of motivation that helps you get through even the toughest days.
In October, the couple is anticipating the arrival of their third child. According to Austin, he comprehends the crucial role he plays in his children’s lives.
Austin expressed that his sons are highly attuned to his emotional state, and if he is not exuding joy, they can sense it and become affected by it. He believes that many people underestimate the importance of fathers in their children’s lives.
Through the lens of her husband’s accident, Neamon has come to recognize the crucial role that fathers play in a child’s life. She understands the significance of their presence and the impact it can have on a family.
Neamon, the father who almost lost his life, expressed his concern about how fathers are often taken for granted. He shared that as a mother, seeing him in the hospital room was difficult, and he wishes people would value the role of fathers more. Neamon emphasized the importance of cherishing the time spent with children, as it could have been worse for him and his family.