By 2nd Lt. Tinashe Machona, 161st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

BUCKEYE, Ariz. – Bob L. Stump National Guard/Reserve Center is officially the new name of the Arizona armory formerly known as Buckeye Armed Forces Readiness Center. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire, the Adjutant General of the Arizona National Guard, presided over the ceremony, Nov. 16, to honor the former Arizona Congressman.

The late Bob Stump, served as a combat medic in the Navy during World War II. He subsequently, served eight years in the Arizona House of Representatives and a decade in the Arizona State Senate, including a term as senate president from 1975 to 1976.

“This dedication is an opportunity for us to celebrate and memorialize Congressman Stump’s civic service to citizens of the great state of Arizona and the United States of America for over 50 years,” McGuire said. He added that Congressman Stump was a trailblazer who was instrumental in the advancement of military capability in Arizona.

The recently renamed armory is home to members of the 158th Infantry Battalion, and the following U.S. Army Reserve units: the 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion, a Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, the 348th Transportation Company, the 974th Transportation Detachment, and the 289th Transportation Detachment.

During his tenure in Congress, Stump served as both the Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, as well as the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

“Congressman Stump truly was part of the greatest generation that protected liberties we love and cherish,” McGuire said. He emphasized that Stump had an unwavering sense of patriotism that will forever resonate in the state of Arizona.

“We will forever remember his great service every time we walk these halls,” McGuire said.

Former Congressman Stump died on June 20, 2003, in Phoenix, Arizona.