Honor A Veteran

Robert L. "Pope" Powell, US Marine Corps

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, Congressman Paul Tonko and the Honor-A-Veteran Committee commemorated the life of Vietnam War veteran Robert L. "Pope" Powell at a ceremony on Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Joseph E. Zaloga Post in Albany.

Born in Haverstraw, NY on July 7, 1947, Powell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 1967. He was a Corporal in Company D the 1st Battalion with the 3rd Marine Division.  He was also in the Infantry and was a Rifleman 0311 and a Technician of Small Arms 0-50.56.  During his service, Powell was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device and the Good Conduct Medal.

Powell worked for many years as a professional cook with "Cooking with Jazz for the Links" which sponsored scholarships for seniors.  He was a driving force in establishing the Homeless Vet Program in Albany.  Pope served as substance abuse counselor at the Bridge Center. A room was dedicated to him at Vanderheyden Hall for his lifelong accomplishments.

Powell was married to his wife Diane for 27 years and has five children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The Honor-A-Veteran ceremony is held every first Monday of the month to honor a deceased veteran of the community.

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