An armory restored for military and community use
The ceremony brought Barrett's daughter, his grandmother and other relatives into the restored main hall of the building at 1089 Dwelly Street. Addressing those gathered, Adjutant Gen. Gary Keefe emphasized the needs of the soldiers based there. "This is an operational combat unit," he said.
Built in 1957 near Cook Pond in Fall River's South End, the armory is home to the First Battalion of the 101st Field Artillery Regiment. The regiment traces its origins to 1636 and is the nation's oldest still in active service.
Seven years ago, mold, lead paint and damaged asbestos tiles had left the building unsafe for public use. The overhaul provided modern offices and barracks, renovated training areas and a freshly painted interior.
State procurement records published in March 2024 for DCAMM project MIL2301 outline work on electrical and mechanical systems, hazardous-materials removal, a new roof, replacement doors and windows, and a rooftop solar array.
According to the Fall River Reporter, the National Guard described the completed, multi-year project as improving resident units' operational and tactical readiness while bringing the building into compliance with modern building and environmental codes. The work also restored space for civic gatherings and community rentals, allowing the armory to serve the public again.
State funding and neighborhood ties
Keefe credited state Sen. Michael Rodrigues and state Reps. Alan Silvia and Carole Fiola with driving the funding effort. They advocated for state money that was matched by the federal government, he said, calling the three lawmakers "the generating force behind this."
For Silvia, who grew up in the South End, the reopening recalled an earlier role the armory played in neighborhood life. He remembered seeing Gary Lewis and the Playboys perform there, along with attending other community events.
"The place was packed. And of course we had science fairs and community dances and other things going on," Silvia said.
Rodrigues told active Guard members that officials wanted to give them "the best tools, the best equipment, the best training that we can."
Remembering Barrett
Among those recalling Barrett's service was Army National Guard Sgt. First Class Benjamin Glidden. On April 19, 2020, he was with Barrett and other local guardsmen in Kabul, Afghanistan, where they were helping train Afghan soldiers.
Barrett, an EMT, taught medics during his deployment. He had recently recovered from surgery and, as Glidden recalled, "finally got to go on missions with us." The group was preparing to leave for the day when a man approached asking for water, something Afghan soldiers often did.
The man was wearing an explosive vest and detonated it, killing Barrett. Glidden said the amount of explosive found on the bomber should have killed or maimed all 10 men who were with Barrett, including Glidden himself. Most of the homemade explosive, however, failed to detonate.
Glidden described the survivors as "lucky." "It's kind of how I deal with it," he said. "He was a good kid. I didn't realize how well known in Fall River he was."
Maintaining a Guard presence in Fall River
Keefe said Guard membership was likely at its lowest level in decades. Maintaining a presence in Fall River remained important as the force grew smaller, he said. About 30 members of the 101st were deployed overseas at the time of the ceremony.
Brig. Gen. Mark Kalin said the Guard must remain ready for both overseas military duties and emergencies at home. "As we reopen this armory, we recognize not only improvements to the building but also service, sacrifice and the professionalism of the soldiers who will use it," he said.
Keefe said local support had given returning soldiers and future members a facility worthy of their sacrifice. "Bobby Barrett deserves a facility like this," he said.
