Robert W. Crawford

COL (R) |Commissioned Class of 1974

Colonel (Retired) Bob Crawford is a distinguished Infantry officer whose 30‑year military career included combat leadership in Operation Desert Storm, academic service at the United States Military Academy, and multiple high‑level strategy and readiness assignments at the Pentagon. A member of a proud military family—his father retired as a Sergeant Major— Colonel Crawford was commissioned through the Razorback ROTC program in 1974 as a Distinguished Military Graduate, serving as Cadet Brigade Commander and as a two‑year commander of the Pershing Rifles Drill Team.

Throughout his career, Colonel Crawford held critical leadership roles at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. He commanded at the battalion level and served within major Army headquarters organizations in Europe, the Pentagon, and U.S. Transportation Command. His career highlights include:

  • Infantry operations officer (S‑3) during Desert Storm

  • Battalion Commander, 6th Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment

  • War Plans Division planner for U.S. Army Europe

  • Military Advisor to the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Readiness and Training

  • Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, U.S. Army Operational Test and Evaluation Command

  • Chair, Department of Leadership & Management, U.S. Army Management Staff College

Following his retirement in 2003, Colonel Crawford continued his legacy of service in federal leadership roles, including serving as Chief of Workforce Development for the U.S. Army Installation Management Agency and Deputy Federal Security Director for Mission Support at the Transportation Security Administration. He earned multiple Superior Civilian Service Awards and was selected as TSA Arkansas Employee of the Year twice (2014 and 2016) for his impact on security operations statewide.

Since retiring, Colonel Crawford has become one of the most influential advocates and mentors for veterans and ROTC cadets in Northwest Arkansas. He is the founder and ongoing director of the nationally recognized Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) ROTC Mentorship Program, which pairs junior and senior Army and Air Force ROTC cadets at the University of Arkansas with seasoned military officers for guidance, leadership development, and career preparation.

His leadership in veterans' organizations includes serving as:

  • President and Treasurer, Armed Forces Alumni Society of the Arkansas Alumni Association

  • Board Member and Public Affairs Officer, U of A Army ROTC Alumni Society

  • President and Vice President, Northwest Arkansas MOAA Chapter

  • First Vice President, MOAA Arkansas Council of Chapters

  • President, Federal Executive Association of Arkansas

  • Chairperson, Combined Federal Campaign of Arkansas

Under his leadership, MOAA chapter membership increased by 147%, and he pioneered new programming, including annual meet-and-greet events and speaker series, and successfully secured MOAA Foundation grants to support the mentorship initiative. His efforts were recognized nationally with the prestigious MOAA Leadership Award in 2023.

Colonel Crawford’s tireless dedication to empowering veterans and shaping future officers continues to leave a lasting legacy at the University of Arkansas and beyond.

He and his wife, Christy, have been married for over 50 years and have two daughters and five grandchildren. They proudly reside in Springdale, Arkansas, where COL Crawford remains deeply involved in service to veterans, military families, and the Razorback Battalion that launched his distinguished career.