Scores of people filed into the courtyard of Benjamin Hall, a new barracks facility at Weapons Training Bn. on Marine Corps Base Quantico, to celebrate its dedication Oct. 17, 2013.

After 17 months and about $28 million, the new building, which houses Marines from WTBN and the Embassy Security Group, received blessings from Marine leaders and a family that shares its name.

“It was a huge honor for my son, Adam, and for our family,” said Judy Watters, mother of the late Master Sgt. Adam Benjamin. “We are just very pleased about the whole thing.”

Benjamin, an explosive ordinance disposal technician, was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 after already serving two tours in Iraq. He was killed while diffusing an improvised explosive device in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The newest addition to the WTBN landscape shares the special Marine tradition of being named after an honored Marine.

“There were many Marines to choose from,” said Capt. Brian Basile, WTBN Logistics officer. “It’s a very applicable name for the building and we are very proud of it.”

Benjamin had wanted a life of honor, as a Marine, since boyhood. His passion for military history, guns and the Marine Corps drove him to the life he would choose, starting after his high school graduation in 1993.

“He was a true Marine,” said Watters. “He loved the Marine Corps and his job.”

The Ohio native has a special place in the hearts of WTBN Marines because of his past with the unit.

“He was an instructor here for nearly three years,” said Basile. “We felt that this was a good way to show our honor and respect for his sacrifice to the U.S. as well as the Marine Corps.”

As speakers commented on Benjamin’s life and priorities, some noted that one of his main concerns was the welfare of the Marines under him. Some believe that the new barracks will symbolize that part of his character well.

“We get the opportunity to take care of Marines and provide a barracks that is a quantum leap improvement over what they have been living in,” said Col. David Maxwell, Marine Corps Base Quantico commanding officer.

I hope that Benjamin Hall will continue to help make the west side what it is in training and taking care of Marines, said Maxwell.

Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil