The state will honor the late Beau Biden, former Delaware Attorney General and a Major in the Army National Guard, by naming Delaware’s Armed Forces Reserved Center after him.
Gov. Jack Markell praised the late son of Vice President Biden in announcing the honor.
“It is only fitting that his name will forever be associated with an organization of men and women who go to extraordinary lengths to serve their state and country,” said Markell in a statement.
"Nothing made Beau more proud than putting on his uniform and reporting for duty," said Hallie Biden, Beau’s widow. "He adored his brothers and sisters in the Delaware National Guard and what they represented in our state. The men and women who walk through the doors of this building are the finest we have – we’re honored that he will forever be associated with them."
Biden enlisted in the Army Guard in 2003 and rose to the rank of Major.
"I recall when Beau came into the National Guard in 2003. Here’s a young man that was in his thirties who didn’t need to come into the military, but in the aftermath of 9/11, decided that he wanted to serve his country," said Major General Frank Vavala, Adjutant General for the Delaware National Guard. He adds he still remembers administering the oath of office to Biden over ten years ago.
In 2008, Biden deployed to Iraq and earned the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star for his service. "Beau never shirked his responsibilities, in fact he never asked for any special treatment," said Major General Vavala. "He served his nation well while deployed. And again, there’s no more worthy citizen soldier than Beau Biden. And public servant."
The 106,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility opened in August 2014. It is home to the Army and Air National Guard as well as the local U.S. Navy Reserve.
A ceremony officially marking the renaming of the facility in Biden’s honor will take place in the spring.