Bethesda, MD – One of the most prolific, trailblazing, and at times controversial, military and political leaders in the United States has reached his permanent end of service.
Renowned military officer and diplomat Colin Powell died at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications from COVID-19. Although he was fully vaccinated, Powell was also battling multiple myeloma, which severely weakened his health. Powell, 84, is survived by his wife Alma Johnson, their three children and grandchildren.
Colin Luther Powell was born on April 5, 1937 in New York City to Jamaican immigrants. After high school, he graduated from City College of New York with a degree in Geology of all things. During his days at CCNY, he joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps, which led him to joining the Army full time after college.
Powell served two tours in Vietnam throughout the 1960s. Upon returning to the U.S., he climbed the ranks to four-star general, and served at the prestigious post of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which was during the George H.W. Bush administration.
After George W. Bush was declared as the winner of the 2000 Presidential Election, the son of Powell’s former boss appointed the longtime military man as his Secretary of State. Powell was the first black person to serve in that capacity, and it was the highest post achieved in the nation’s government by someone black at that time, just years before Barack Obama ascended to the presidency.
“He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam,” said former U.S. President George W. Bush. “Many Presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience. He was National Security Adviser under President Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under my father and President Clinton, and Secretary of State during my Administration.
“He was such a favorite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad. And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.”
While Powell will certain be most remembered for his commendable service, he was not without error. In 2003, Powell pushed for the U.S. to enter Iraq under the later proven false pretense that the country was producing weapons of mass destruction. The recommendation proved costly, as no such weapons were found, while many soldiers lost their lives.
Among those mourning the late trailblazer was none other than the current Commander-in-Chief, President Joseph R. Biden.
“As a Senator, I worked closely with him when he served as National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and as Secretary of State. Over our many years working together – even in disagreement – Colin was always someone who gave you his best and treated you with respect,” said Biden in a statement.
“Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all. Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity. From his front-seat view of history, advising presidents and shaping our nation’s policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else – in uniform and out – and it earned him the universal respect of the American people.
“Having repeatedly broken racial barriers, blazing a trail for others to follow in Federal Government service, Colin was committed throughout his life to investing in the next generation of leadership. Whether through his care for the women and men serving under his command and the diplomats he led, or through the work he shared with his wife Alma at the America’s Promise Alliance to lift up young people, or through his years leading the Eisenhower Fellowships, Colin’s leadership always included a focus on future.
“Above all, Colin was my friend. Easy to share a laugh with. A trusted confidant in good and hard times. He could drive his Corvette Stingray like nobody’s business – something I learned firsthand on the race track when I was Vice President. And I am forever grateful for his support of my candidacy for president and for our shared battle for the soul of the nation. I will miss being able to call on his wisdom in the future.
“Jill and I are sending all our love and strength to Alma, their children, Linda, Annemarie, and Michael, their grandchildren, and the entire Powell family. Our nation mourns with you.
“Colin Powell was a good man. He will be remembered as one of our great Americans.”
