A historic ceremony took place March 24 in Blackstone as the name of Fort Pickett was changed to Fort Barfoot in honor of Col. Van T. Barfoot, who was a Choctaw Indian and a World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Posing for a photo with the fort’s new sign and Fort Barfoot Garrison Commander Col. James C. Shaver, second from right, are, from left, Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe members Shelia Hinton, W. David Brown IV, Ethan Phelps, Chief Walt “Red Hawk” Brown and Beverly El. (Photography by Bert Wendell Jr.)

Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe Chief Walt “Red Hawk” Brown leads the Grand Entry during the historic name-changing ceremony in Blackstone on March 24 at what is now known as Fort Barfoot. (Photography by Bert Wendell Jr.)

The Yapotoko Drum is under the direction of lead singer Pernell Richardson. (Photography by Bert Wendell Jr.)

Joining for a photo at the name-changing ceremony are, from left, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe Chief Walt “Red Hawk” Brown and Roanoke Hatteras Tribe Chief Marilyn Morrison. (Photography by Bert Wendell Jr.)

Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe members join Col. Van T. Barfoot’s son Tom Barfoot, second from right, for a photo at the ceremony in which Fort Pickett was re-named Fort Barfoot in Col. Barfoot’s honor. Pictured are, from left, Tommy Hines, Ethan Phelps, W. David Brown IV, Barfoot and Chief Walt “Red Hawk” Brown. (Photography by Bert Wendell Jr.)

Unveiling the Fort Barfoot sign on the ground are, from left, Margaret Barfoot Nichols, who is Col. Van T. Barfoot’s daughter; U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine; retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tom Barfoot, who is Col. Van T. Barfoot’s son; and Tim Barfoot, who is also Col. Van T. Barfoot’s son. At the podium on the platform is Col. James C. Shaver Jr., garrison commander. (Photography by Bert Wendell Jr.)

The Tribal Honor Dance for Col. Van T. Barfoot and family is underway, led by Chief Batton and Chief Brown. Pictured are, from left, front row, Chief Gary Batton, of the Choctaw Indian Nation of Oklahoma; retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tom Barfoot, who is Col. Van T. Barfoot’s son; Chief Walt “Red Hawk” Brown, of the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe; second row, Chief Frank Adams, of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe; Tim Barfoot, who is Col. Van T. Barfoot’s son; and Chief Robert Gray, of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. (Photography by Bert Wendell Jr.)

Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe Chief Walt “Red Hawk” Brown converses with Chief Gary Batton, of the Choctaw Indian Nation of Oklahoma, at the name-changing ceremony for what is now known as Fort Barfoot. (Photography by Bert Wendell Jr.)

Shaking hands at the ceremony in which Fort Pickett became Fort Barfoot in honor of Col. Van T. Barfoot are Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe Chief Walt “Red Hawk” Brown and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tom Barfoot, who is Col. Van T. Barfoot’s son. (Photography by Bert Wendell Jr.)