Brig. Gen Kennth Nava speaking, Santa Clara Mayor Richard Bauch, far left, and Rep. Rodolpho "Rudy" Martinez partially hidden by podium.By Roger Lanse

The National Guard Armory building in Santa Clara, in a transfer ceremony Thursday, June 15, was formally conferred to the Village of Santa Clara by the New Mexico Army National Guard. Village Mayor Richard Bauch said: "This is a great economic opportunity for us."

Bauch said that the village will use the building for municipal offices, a community center, and plans to lease office space to generate revenue.

Santa Clara Mayor Richard Bauch speaking; Santa Clara Clerk Sheila Hudman standing behind him; National Guard Brigadier General Kenneth Nava seated.

 Nava hands Bauch the key to the building; behind, Village Trustee Richard Esparza.

Bauch stated the village has already installed a large playset for little ones to occupy themselves while parents/adults are in the building. "We plan to add more amenities for the little ones," Bauch continued.

"This is a bittersweet occasion for us," Bauch stated. "We're receiving a great blessing but turning a page in our relationship with the National Guard. We've enjoyed a very close and cordial relationship with the Guard, and they have always stepped up to help us in emergencies."

Brigadier General Kenneth Nava, out of Santa Fe, represented the National Guard at the ceremony and explained that the National Guard has been mandated to divest itself of certain properties nationwide which were not economically feasible to maintain. The Santa Clara Readiness Center was one.

"However," Nava said, "We will still maintain a presence in the community through our recruiters which will have an office in the building and will also continue to be available whenever the governor or the community needs our resources. This will be a great economic engine for the community."

The Santa Clara Armory finished its service to the New Mexico National Guard as home to Detachment 1, Company C, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry.