H.R. 3475, a bill that was introduced by U.S. Congressmen Drew Ferguson (GA-03) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), which names the new Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) community-based outpatient clinic in Columbus, Georgia in honor of Colonel Robert “Bob” S. Poydasheff, was signed into law today by President Biden. The Congressmen led the effort to pass the bill in the House in September and it was passed by the Senate by unanimous consent last week.
“I’m thrilled that our bipartisan legislation to rename the Columbus VA clinic in honor of former mayor Colonel (Retired) Bob Poydasheff is now law,” said Congressman Ferguson. “Colonel Poydasheff was a staple of the Columbus community and a strong advocate for America’s veterans. This recognition pays well-deserved homage to a hometown hero.”
“Robert ‘Bob’ Poydasheff was a decorated service member, champion of veterans, and steadfast public servant. He was also a husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend. He was beloved by the people of Columbus and the military veteran community of Georgia. He touched the lives of so many and we have missed him dearly since his passing in September of last year,” said Congressman Bishop. “It was my honor to introduce this bill with Congressman Ferguson. By signing our bipartisan bill into law as we commemorate another Veterans Day, the President and Congress have now bestowed a fitting and timely tribute to Mayor Poydasheff’s legacy of selfless service by naming the new VA Clinic in Columbus after him.”
BACKROUND:
Robert S. Poydasheff served honorably in the U.S. Army for twenty-four years and retired at the rank of Colonel. He began his military career as an Infantry Officer before transferring to the Judge Advocate General Corps. He was a decorated soldier and elected to the Ranger Hall of Fame located at Ft. Benning in Georgia.
Following his retirement he made Columbus his home where was elected to the City Council and served as the Mayor of Columbus. He advocated for disadvantaged veterans and supported the location of the new VA clinic in Columbus which the bill will name in his honor.
The bill was cosponsored by every member of the Georgia Congressional Delegation and enjoyed the support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans organizations.
The clinic, which is now under construction and expected to be open by March of 2022, is located at 6910 River Road, in Columbus, Georgia.
The new clinic will be a state-of-the-art facility and will provide a wide range of medical services to veterans in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley area in conjunction with existing facilities located at Fort Benning and in Midtown Columbus near the Piedmont Regional Hospital campus.
Original source can be found here.
