Army Reserve Training Center

New Army Reserve Training Center named for Major James J. O'Donovan

The Army Reserve Center at 90 N. Main St, Albany NY, was dedicated in Maj. O’Donovan’s honor after a intense lobbying effort by many including those who served with him and those of La Salle Institute where he served as Military Science & Tactics instructor.

Principally, LTC (Ret) John Kennedy, a 1940 graduate of La Salle Institute, led a campaign for the center to be named after his former professor. He made more than 40 presentations at local American Legion, VFW, Church and Civic organizations to gain support and to draft resolutions approving of the proposal. On November 11th, 1955 the building was so dedicated.

The dedication was attended by the widow and 2 daughters of Major O'Donovan and featured a performance of the crack rifle drill team which carries his name, the "O'Donovan Rifles".

After 60 years, The training center finally closes its doors

7th LOD honors WWII hero MAJ James J. O'Donovan in moving Soldier Farewell Ceremony as they move out of the MAJ James J. O'Donovan U.S. Army Reserve Center in Albany, NY.

James Unwin, grandson of Major James J. O'Donovan , speaks during a closure ceremony for the Major James J. O'Donovan United States Army Reserve Center on Saturday Aug. 2, 2014 in Albany, N.Y. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)

Training Center use to be discontinued

The Major James Joseph O’Donovan United States Army Reserve Center was dedicated in MAJ O’Donovan’s honor on November 11, 1955.

The MAJ O’Donovan Center had been the primary training site for certain US Army, Navy, and Marine elements since its dedication. For 59 years, The Reserve Center was an operational support center for the 25th Marines, the 865th Combat Support Hospital and the 7th Legal Support Organization.

As part of US military reorganizations, the center was planned to be phased out of use. As of 2014 the U.S. Army prepared the Center for full closure.

In recognition of the importance of the center's role in military operations for nearly 6 decades, as well as a sense of respect for the namesake and his remaining family, a grand farewell ceremony was planned and held on August 2nd, 2014.

Closing Ceremonies

The closing, which was held on August 2nd, 2014 was a fitting tribute to MAJ James J. O'Donovan, as well as all those who served and trained at the center for over 60 years.

The ceremonies included a demonstration of rifle drill maneuvers by the O'Donovan Rifles, A cannon salute, and speeches by local political dignitaries, military leaders, a Bataan Death March survivor, and family members of Major O'Donovan. The American flag was hauled down for the last time, folded in military fashion, and presented to the family of Major O'Donovan.

While the Training Center which bears his name has closed, the remembrance and honoring of the man has certainly not! He is still honored daily by the cadets of the O'Donovan Rifles Honor Guard at La Salle Institute, Memorialized at the American Cemetery in Manila, the Camp Cabanatuan Memorial Site, The La Salle Institute Memorial, and The Mount Soledad Memorial Monument. His family, all 91 of us now, continue to speak his name, tell his story, and aspire to his greatness.

Closing Ceremony attendants in 2014