Biden signs bill to name Columbus VA clinic after former Mayor Bob Poydasheff
President Joe Biden signed legislation on Friday to name the new Department of Veterans Affairs’ community-based outpatient clinic in Columbus after former mayor Colonel Robert “Bob” S. Poydasheff.
Congressmen Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Drew Ferguson (R-GA) introduced the legislation earlier this year and led efforts to pass the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives in September. Both men represent Columbus in Congress. The remaining members of Georgia’s congressional delegation signed on as co-sponsors.
Poydasheff served as Columbus’ mayor from January 2003 to January 2007, and he served as a member of the Columbus Council from 1994 through 2002. He died in September 2020 in a Phenix City rehabilitation hospital after a brief illness. He was 90.
Born in the Bronx, N.Y., Poydasheff’s U.S. Army career brought him to Fort Benning and Columbus. He retired as a colonel in 1979 after 24 years of service.
“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,” Bishop said in a news release announcing the bill becoming law.
Ferguson said in a statement that he was “thrilled” that Biden signed the bill.
“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.”
Columbus Councilor John House, a close friend of Poydasheff’s who advocated for naming the clinic after the former mayor, told the Ledger-Enquirer that the move is a great tribute.
“Bob was a friend to everybody, especially a friend to veterans,” House said. “He was always willing to help people when they needed help.”
The clinic, at 6910 River Road in Columbus, is under construction and expected to be opened by March 2022.
This story was originally published November 15, 2021 at 12:05 PM.