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<p>The proud son of James A. and Margie F. Bridgford, <em>Robert Smiley “Bob” Bridgford</em> took his first breath on February 11, 1961 in Indio, CA. Bob’s parents were immensely proud of their son, who stated at the advanced age of 9 that he wanted to become a professional military officer by attending the United States Military Academy. This budding patriot regularly wrote letters to West Point stating his desire to attend and become a commissioned officer. By the time he joined the Class of 1983, as the Academy’s Admissions Office back then could readily attest, Bob’s packet was easily the thickest. Before entering a classroom in Thayer Hall, one of Bob’s favorite things to do in elementary school was to go to the library and read encyclopedias. He loved learning.</p>
<p>Bob understood that to be appointed to USMA he had to be at the top of his graduating class and demonstrate leadership ability, all while competing “on the fields of friendly strife.” At Mexico High School in Mexico, MO, Bob proved himself a well-rounded young man and a formidable competitor in football, baseball, and wrestling. He was proud of his hometown, routinely telling his West Point companymates several years later that the world “revolves around Mexico” (the town, not the country). Rick McKiddie recalls visiting Bob on leave and discovering that Mexico felt similarly towards Bob, its favorite son. His exceptional high school performance, including selection to the National Honor Society, produced a nomination to West Point from Harold L. Volkmer of Missouri’s 9th District.</p>
<p>Joining his class in the summer of 1979, eventually becoming a member of I-4 (“I-Beam!”), Bob’s “Proud to Be ’83” peers remember “Smiley” as a “good ol’ boy who would never let you forget it!” He played baseball during plebe and yearling years, and he was best known for being a four-year member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, in which he explored and deepened his relationship with Jesus Christ while capably balancing the rigors of athletics, military training, and academics. But Cadet Bridgford was not all business. Indeed, he impressed his “I-Beam!” running buddies with his ability to charm the ladies. His winning smile and self-confidence even resulted in a conversation and photo op with the actress Brooke Shields when she was at the Hotel Thayer for a USO show. </p>
<p>Upon graduating in May 1983 and branching Field Artillery, Bob embarked on a distinguished 30-year military career, starting with the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK and then a three-year assignment as a lieutenant at Fort Riley, KS. After completing the Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, Bob commanded A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery (2-5th FA), 1st Infantry Division (Forward) in Neu Ulm, Germany and eventually deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also participated in Operations Joint Endeavor and Joint Guardian in Bosnia-Herzegovina, earning the Meritorious Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal. </p>
<p>Outstanding performance with multiple military branches supporting joint operations characterized Bob’s extended service as an Army officer. In 2001, Bob returned to 2-5th FA, this time as its commander at Fort Sill. He successfully deployed 2-5th FA in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.</p>
<p>Upon relinquishing command, Bob attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI and served on the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Staff at Camp Smith, HI. He again returned to Fort Sill in 2007 and assumed command of the garrison before becoming the 50th Fires Center of Excellence chief of staff in 2009. Bob’s last assignment in the Army was as the vice commander and deputy installation commander for the 502nd Air Base Wing at Joint Base San Antonio, TX. </p>
<p>Following his retirement as a colonel in 2013, he pursued a second career at Boeing Defense, including a 10-year run as senior manager of global sales and marketing to Army Futures Command and regional leadership roles in the Association of the United States Army.</p>
<p>Bob’s numerous awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. His induction into the Ancient Order of St. Barbara, the U.S. Army Field Artillery’s prestigious honor society, not only recognized his significant contributions to the artillery community but also honored his dedication to advancing the interests of the Field Artillery, promoting camaraderie among artillerymen and preserving the traditions and legacy of the U.S. Army’s Field Artillery branch. Bob Bridgford, a king of every battle, was universally considered a field artillery and fires subject matter expert.</p>
<p>Bob found other outlets for his trademark intensity. For instance, he was a die-hard fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Missouri Tigers, and the Army Black Knights, always cheering with unmatched enthusiasm for his teams.</p>
<p>Across a lifetime featuring many accomplishments, Bob acknowledged that marrying the love of his life, Shirley J. (Howard) Bridgford, and helping raise two exceptional children, Benjamin Bridgford and Alexis Bridgford, was his most significant. </p>
<p>Colonel Robert S. Bridgford (Retired) went to be with His Lord and Savior on January 12, 2024 in Austin, TX. Fittingly, Bob was buried with full military honors in Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, OK alongside the other “Red Leg” cannoneer heroes. In addition to Shirley, surviving Bob are three brothers: Chuck A., Allen J., and Chanse K. Bridgford; and one sister, Debbie J. Berry. </p>
<p>“And when our work is done,<br />Our course on earth is run,<br />May it be said, ‘Well Done.<br />Be Thou at Peace.’”</p>
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