Massachusetts Soldier honored with building dedication

Photo By Spc. Roy Mercon | Soldiers from Battery A, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, pose with a picture of the plaque for U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Barrett Nov. 15. The unit was present on Bagram Airfield for the building dedication for their fallen comrade Barrett, who died from wounds sustained during an insurgent attack in Kabul April 19.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

11.15.2010

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Barrett, a cannoneer, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, was honored with a new building dedicated in his name Nov. 15.
Building CMU 7, a long, yellow barracks on Bagram Airfield had its name officially changed to Barrett Hall in honor of the Massachusetts Army National Guard soldier.

Barrett, 27, died of wounds sustained during an insurgent attack in Kabul April 19.

Soldiers of the 101st FA Regt. and 86th IBCT observed a moment of silence and leaders spoke about Barrett at the dedication ceremony.

“Though I did not know him personally, I have been told of his unyielding dedication and service to his country,” said U.S. Army Col. Thomas Drew, 86th IBCT deputy commander from Leicester, Vt. “He will be sorely missed.”

“The dedication of this building is another way to retain Barrett’s memory,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Hally, 1-101st Field Artillery commander from Lynn, Mass. “This dedication and other acts will spread the word and memory of him as a soldier and person.”

The 1-101st FA, out of Massachusetts, is part of the Vermont-based 86th IBCT.
Barrett’s picture is slated to be put in the Hall of Heroes at the Vermont National Guard Headquarters in Colchester, Vt.

A picture showing the design of the plaque that will be placed in honor of Barrett was unveiled during the ceremony.

• Date Taken: 11.15.2010
• Date Posted: 11.20.2010 03:46
• Story ID: 60537
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF