Natchez — A little more than two years after he fell victim to a roadside bomb in Iraq, one Mississippi solider was honored on his birthday with the dedication of a military facility in his name.

The Spc. Bryan E. Barron Army National Guard Readiness Center was dedicated in Natchez Saturday.

Maj. Gen. James “Ike” Pylant unveiled a plaque designating the building in Barron’s honor.

Barron was a member of the Mississippi National Guard’s Company C, First Battalion of the 155 Infantry of Biloxi.

Barron enlisted in December 2003, when the nation was already at war, and he knew it was no secret he would be deployed, said Lt. Col. John Rhodes, commander of the 155th’s first battalion.

“He risked his life every day engaging the enemy and providing humanitarian service to the Iraqi people,” Rhodes said. “He would not have had it any other way.”

The loss of Barron reminds us freedom is not free, he said.

“This building bears Bryan’s name, but he will always be with us,” he said.

The loss also reminds others of the sacrifice families of service members have to make, Rhodes said.

“They also bear the burden of the freedoms we enjoy,” he said.

Barron’s mother Cindy tearfully thanked the Mississippi National Guard for honoring him.

“Bryan knew what he was getting into,” she said. “He always knew what he wanted to do.”

His wife Amanda agreed.

“This day is very special to us,” she said.

The memory of Barron’s sacrifice will not be forgotten, Capt. Jeremy Allen said.

“Every soldier who enters this building will recognize his strength and dedication,” he said.