Delaware National Guard HQ renamed to honor Beau Biden

The Delaware’s Armed Forces Reserve Center in New Castle will be renamed to honor the Beau Biden early next year.

Biden, who died of brain cancer in May, joined the Army Guard in 2003, rising to the rank of Major. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 as a member of the 261st Theater Tactical Signal Brigade and earned the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star for his service. 

Governor Markell announced the name change Tuesday morning. “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,” Markell said in a statement. 

Biden’s widow Hallie said nothing made him prouder than putting on his uniform and reporting for duty. “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,” Hallie Biden said. 

The 106,000 square foot facility that now houses the Army and Air National Guard as well as the local U.S. Navy Reserve was dedicated in August 2014. The building hosts 175 soldiers, airmen and sailors during the week. That number increases to more than 320 on training assembly weekends.