[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 343]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MAYOR BOB POYDASHEFF

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 2007

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, today I have the distinct 
privilege of recognizing a man of remarkable vision and unyielding 
commitment to the community, which he has so faithfully served. Through 
the leadership of Mayor Bob Poydasheff, the city of Columbus has 
experienced extraordinary growth and prosperity. During his tenure as 
mayor, the area has gained in excess of 7,000 new jobs and under his 
leadership the Columbus Consolidated Government has exercised fiscal 
responsibility resulting in balanced budgets and a surplus.
  Bob Poydasheff has always exhibited exceptional character throughout 
his professional careers. He served in the U.S. Army for twenty four 
years and retired at the rank of Colonel. During his military career, 
Mayor Poydasheff served as Legislative Counsel to Secretary of the Army 
Howard (Bo) Calloway, Staff Judge Advocate at Ft. Belvoir, VA, Legal 
Counsel to Secretary of the Army and Secretary of Defense on Labor 
Relations (1955-1979). In recognition of his exemplary service to our 
country he has received the Vietnam Ribbon, Legion of Merit, 
Commendation Medal, and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.
  Mayor Poydasheff's determination to excel is apparent in virtually 
every aspect of his life--and in none, more evident than in his pursuit 
of education. After receiving a B.A. in Political Science from the 
Citadel in 1954, he went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Tulane 
University. Mayor Poydasheff later received a M.A. in International 
Relations from Boston College. He has also attended The Academy of 
International Law and the Army War College.
  Perhaps, his greatest accomplishment is the bond that he unwaveringly 
nurtures with his family. Mr. Bob Poydasheff and his wife, Stacy, are 
enjoying a wonderful and fulfilling marriage of 42 years. Of this 
union, they were blessed with two children, through whom they have two 
lovely grandchildren.
  His affiliation with many civic organizations outside of the 
political arena demonstrates the genuineness of his nature. These 
organizations include: Chattahoochee Valley Citadel Club (President); 
Chattahoochee Boy Scout Council (Past President); Association of U.S. 
Army (Past President); Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home (Past President); 
Fort Benning Sojourners (Past President); Board of Directors American 
Red Cross (Past Chairman); Military Affairs Committee, Columbus Chamber 
of Commerce (Past Chairman); Civilian-Military Council (Past Chairman); 
Military Order of World Wars (Past Commander); Minority Business 
Development Council; Black History Month Steering Committee; Urban 
League (Director); Columbus Lawyer's Club; Georgia Council of the 
Humanities; Kiwanis Club of Columbus; Leadership Columbus Alumni; 
Shriner; Scottish Rite; and Masons.
  Today, we thank and honor Mayor Bob Poydasheff for his selfless 
dedication and steadfast commitment to the welfare of others and his 
community. His commendable service to the citizens of Columbus serves 
as an attribute which we should all strive to emulate as we attempt to 
make the world a better place to live for humankind. As he leaves the 
Mayor's office we extend our best wishes for joy and happiness in the 
weeks, months and years ahead.

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