Former U.S. Army General Colin Powell served a 35-year career in the military before getting involved in politics. He served as a general of the 3rd Armored Division and the 23rd Infantry Division and was a Vietnam War veteran.
Powell died of complications from his battle with COVID-19 today. His family said he was fully vaccinated. Powell was born in New York on April 5, 1937. He was 84-years-old.
“General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19. He was fully vaccinated,” the family said in the statement. “We want to thank the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center for their caring treatment. We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.”
He became America’s first African American Secretary of State under President George W. Bush after serving under his father George H.W. Bush and President Ronald Reagan.
“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam. Many Presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience,” said former U.S. President George W. Bush. 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.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of General Colin Powell, the first Black Secretary of State and the youngest Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His legacy of valor, and integrity will resonate for generations to come. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones,” the Black Caucus said today in a statement.