Charter member of American Legion Ryan Winslow Post 911, U.S. Army retired Col. Robert (Bob) Barefield, passed away on December 22, 2023. Visitation and funeral service was on December 29, 2023, at Hope Community Church. Burial was at Alabama National Cemetery with full military honors and a flyover.
In addition to being a charter member of Post 911, Barefield also served as a past second vice commander. “Bob was an active and engaging member of the post from the beginning,” said Lynn Thomas, post commander. “But he was also a dedicated member of many other veteran-related service organizations too. A lot of people are grieving his loss.” Barefield was a founding member of the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery and served as the organization’s chairman for its first 10 years.
In 2023, Barefield was honored twice for his leadership and service to veterans. He was named the Veteran of the Year by the American Legion Department of Alabama and recognized for it during the National Veterans Award Dinner on November 10, 2023. Additionally, he is a previous recipient of the Serving our Veterans Award from the American Legion Department of Alabama.
In November, he was presented the Elmer B. Harris Award by Folds of Honor. This award recognizes an Alabama veteran who best exemplifies the American ideals of integrity, leadership, patriotism and service to our country. Other awards he has received in past years include the Seven Seals Leadership Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution. He was inducted into Alabama’s Top 50 over 50 and the Senior Citizen Hall of Fame. Barefield served as past chair of Patriotism In Action and was previously on the board of Blue Star Salute Foundation. Recently, he had served as the assistant state coordinator for the Missing in America Project.
Barefield enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 as an 11B Infantryman and retired at the rank of Colonel after 30 years of service. He received numerous military awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Purple Heart (5th award), Meritorious Service Medal (7th award), Air Medal and Pathfinder Badge.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, Barefield is survived by three children and several grandchildren.
