Fort Barfoot


Fort Pickett was officially redesignated Fort Barfoot in honor of Col. Van T. Barfoot, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient with extensive Virginia ties, during a ceremony March 24, 2023. The post is one of nine U.S. Army installations being renamed based on the Naming Commission’s recommendations to remove the names and symbols honoring or commemorate the Confederate States of America.

Located near Blackstone, Fort Barfoot has more than 225 full-time state and federal employees provide support to tenant and training units on approximately 41,000 acres featuring a combination of open and wooded terrain maneuver areas and 21 ranges capable of supporting almost any weapons system in the U.S. Army inventory with barracks to support more than 5,000 personnel as well as an Army airfield operation.

Fort Barfoot News

Lt. Col. Eric Quinn takes command of Maneuver Training Center Fort Barfoot from Col. James C. Shaver Jr. during a ceremony Feb. 1, 2025, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Brig. Gen. Charles Martin Jr., commander of the Virginia Army National Guard, presided over the traditional exchange of colors marking the transfer of the garrison command from Shaver to Quinn. Command Sgt. Maj. Jason M. Mendel, the garrison command sergeant major, was the keeper of the colors. Soldiers assigned to the Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided ceremonial music for the event.
Quinn succeeds Shaver as Fort Barfoot garrison commander
Feb. 10, 2025
Lt. Col. Eric Quinn assumed command of Fort Barfoot from Col. James C. Shaver Jr. during a change of command ceremony Feb. 1, 2025, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia.
Personnel at Blackstone Army Airfield conducted a quarterly pre-accident plan exercise Dec. 12, 2024, near Fort Barfoot, Virginia. The scenario simulated a Virginia National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter experiencing a serious engine issue, resulting in a hard landing, a large-scale fuel leak, and a mass casualty incident with more than five passengers and crew members injured. In addition to BAAF personnel and Virginia National Guard flight crews, first responders and personnel from Fort Barfoot, surrounding localities, and the Fort Barfoot-based Foreign Affairs Security Training Center participated. The exercise aimed to test the preparedness and coordination of key responders in the event of a serious incident at BAAF. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Terra C. Gatti)
VNG tests response capabilities at Blackstone Army Airfield
Jan. 20, 2025
“The point is to save lives,” said Michel Lacy, the airfield operations officer at the Blackstone Army Airfield. “The most important thing is to save lives, and this helps us be more proficient. In case something like this really happens, this ensures everyone knows their duties, roles and responsibilities, and that way, it helps reduce the response time for a real emergency.”
Lt. Col. Eric L. Quinn will succeed Col. James C. Shaver Jr. as the Fort Barfoot garrison commander according to an announcement made Jan. 2, 2025, by Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia. A change of command ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 1 at the Fort Barfoot Theater. Quinn works full time for the Virginia National Guard as a military technician, and his current duty assignment is the Supply & Services Division chief for the G4 Logistics Directorate. He previously served three years as the officer in charge of the G6 Information Technology Directorate. Quinn also served as the surface maintenance manager and Fort Barfoot Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site superintendent, both in the G4.
Quinn announced as next Fort Barfoot garrison commander
Jan. 7, 2025
 Lt. Col. Eric L. Quinn will succeed Col. James C. Shaver Jr. as the Fort Barfoot garrison commander according to an announcement made Jan. 2, 2025, by Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia. A change of command ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 1 at the Fort Barfoot Theater.
Virginia National Guard senior leaders and guests break ground on a new Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center during a ceremony Dec. 13, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. College. Col. James C. Shaver, Fort Barfoot garrison commander, led the ceremony and was joined by retired Lt. Col. Tom Barfoot, the installation namesake’s oldest son, Lt. Col. James Wells, the Fort Barfoot executive officer, and Stephen Bowen, administrator for Nottoway County. Once built, the new 4,000-square-foot facility will offer internet access, flat screen televisions, pool and air hockey tables and quiet study areas. Read more about Fort Barfoot at https://vngpao.info/2p8kwcw6.
Fort Barfoot breaks ground on new MWR Center 
Dec. 17, 2024
Fort Barfoot officially broke ground on a new Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center during a ceremony Dec. 13, 2024, marking the latest in a series of efforts to improve MWR amenities and events on the installation. 
Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team participate in retention flights aboard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division Dec. 7, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. The Soldiers were provided this unique opportunity in order to increase retention rates, improve unit morale, and foster camaraderie. (U.S. National Guard photos by Sgt. Rhita Daniel)
Virginia Army National Guard strengthens retention with aviation experience
Dec. 16, 2024
Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team participated in retention flights Dec. 7, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia.

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Contact Fort Barfoot

Switchboard
  • (434) 292-8621
Range Operations
  • (434) 292-2227 / (434) 292-8334
Directorate of Personnel and Community Activities
  • (434) 292-2327
ID Card Office
  • (434) 292-2497
  • Monday- Closed
  • Tuesday- Friday - 0800-1530
  • Closed for lunch - 1200-1230
Gym
  • (434) 292-2613
  • Monday- Thursday - 0600-1800
  • Friday- 0600- 1600
  • Closed Weekends
PX
  • (434) 292-5990
  • Mon-Wed 0900-1600
  • Thu-Fri 0900-1700
  • Sat 1000-1600
  • Sun Closed
Directorate of Public Works
  • (434) 292-8303
Directorate of Logistics
  • (434) 292-2948
Fish and Wildlife Management Program