From his earliest military service, COL Poydasheff developed a life-long admiration, respect and recognition of the extraordinary value of Rangers and the Ranger ethic. As a result, COL Bob (as known by friends), has throughout his life and career exemplified the Ranger Creed. He has adhered to the highest standards of performance of his duty. His personal life has been exemplary. His sense of responsibility to his fellows, particularly to individual Rangers and to the Ranger community, has insured that those who needed a protecting hand on their side, from Private to General Officer, would have the strongest possible help from him. From standards of dress, courtesy to all, to educational attainments and professional excellence in his chosen field, Bob plainly adheres to the elite image and high standards of the Army Ranger. Both in the legal and intelligence fields, he has sought out and worked to destroy the enemies of our country. He has been loyal to his fellow beings. He remains willing, ready, and able to sacrifice to accomplish the mission. The Rangers have no better friend.

Robert S Poydasheff was born in New York City in 1930 He grew up and had his undergraduate schooling in public schools. After high school graduation, he worked his way through the Citadel where he graduated in 1954, He was commissioned as a infantry second lieutenant in the regular Army in May 1955. After serving as Aide de Camp to General Mark W. Clark, the president of the university, he went on leave without pay to attend Tulane College of Law. He supported himself by work as a longshoreman and in sales.

On graduation from the law school, he was assigned to Fort Benning where he attended the basic parachutist and jumpmaster courses. He was then assigned to the Infantry Center Troop Command. In 1961, he was transferred to the Judge Advocate General Corps at the Infantry Center with duty as Chief of Administrative Law. With the activation of the 11th Air Assault Division (Test), Bob became the division’s acting Judge Advocate and held that position until a LTC was assigned. An integral part of his activities during this phase of his career was full and energetic support of Rangers. Bob always had time for a Ranger who needed his help, expertise and advice, during or after duty hours. He has continued this attention and unreserved support to Rangers to the present day.

His assignment to Benning was followed by the Career Class at the JAG School and a crucial assignment to the U. S. Command in Berlin. He was Staff Judge Advocate and also advisor to the US Military Liaison Mission to East Germany. When an important defector, the chief of the Polish Mission was brought over, Bob took charge and sequestered the defector until his initial interrogations were complete and the man was moved out of reach of Communist forces. He also exerted extra effort to obtain a Masters Degree in International Relations from Boston University during his tour. Later, while serving as a volunteer in Vietnam, as staff judge advocate for the Engineer Command, for other sensitive intelligence duties, he was cited by the Deputy Director of the CIA Vietnam, in 1967.

After Command and General Staff College attendance, Bob was specially selected to be the Legislative Counsel to the Secretary of the Army by the Judge Advocate General of the US Army and as chief of the administrative law branch in that office. He interfaced with the US Congress on all matters affecting the US Army, providing legal counsel to the Secretaries of Defense and Army on labor relations in the world wide military dependents school system. He was also detailed to Fort Belvoir to clear up irregularities there in 1974 and 1975.

Attendance at the Army War College, was succeeded by assignment to Fort Benning as defense counsel for senior officers accused of war crimes in Vietnam and in the post exchange scandals of that era. These trials were the first of a general officer for such crimes since the Philippine Insurrection in the early 1900s. Bob’s skillful performance was particularly cited by the Secretary of the Army as of the highest standard.

Bob ended his distinguished service on active duty in 1979. He was chosen as the head of the Trust Department of a major Columbus Bank As a Senior Vice President, he was responsible for trusts, estates, investment banking, marketing, public relation and sales. His performance in these demanding and sensitive tasks was exemplary. After sixteen years in this position, he returned to the private practice of law, and soon sought election to the City Council where he was a voice for reason, illegal drug eradication, and responsible government. During this period he stepped forward and volunteered to be the legal advisor for the National Ranger Memorial Foundation, Inc. After seven years on the City Council he sought and was elected Mayor of the Columbus Consolidated government. This election had significant and far reaching impact on Columbus and Fort Benning. Early on, Bob recognized the importance and the hazards represented by the appointment of a powerful committee to select bases to be closed and functions to be realigned and allocated to new installations. He established close and mutually supporting cooperation between the command at Fort Benning and the city government. There was a credible threat that the 75th Ranger Regiment Headquarters and 3/75 might be moved elsewhere, as well as other functions. In the end, Fort Benning gained the entire Armor School and preserved all of its important functions including the Ranger Regiment and now two Ranger Battalions.

Rangers Lead the Way!