Former Secretary of State Colin Powell died Monday of COVID-19 related complications. The 84 year old New York native (although vaccinated) was afflicted with multiple health issues including Parkinson’s and the blood cancer disease called multiple myeloma. These serious comorbidities can complicate recovery from COVID-19 infections.
Although semi-retired from politics, Powell was the “real-deal” serving in both Republican and Democratic administrations. The former City College kid from Harlem gained the respect and admiration from soldiers, sailors, airman, field commanders, officers, legislators and presidents alike.
Powell began his military career by joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), graduating with honors at the top of his class, and achieving rank of cadet colonel (the highest ranking within ROTC).
In 1962 the young second lieutenant in the U.S. Army serving under the Kennedy Administration was dispatched along with 16,000 military advisors to South Vietnam. There he was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for valor on the battlefield.
In 1987, then-President Ronald Reagan appointed Powell to serve as National Security Adviser. A position he held until 1989.
That same year then-President George H.W. Bush appointed General Powell as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff where he served with distinction until 1993, ending an illustrious 35 year military career. Powell was also the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the youngest officer ever to hold that post.
Also during his time as Chairman, Powell oversaw a record 28 international crises including Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
However, Powell’s dedication to service also included serving a number of presidents in civilian life, beginning with Republican Richard Nixon along with Democrat Jimmy Carter.
Powell became Secretary of State in 2001 under the Bush Administration, overseeing the September 11th attack on America. He advised the then-president to take “swift military action” against al Qaeda. Powell demanded “immediate” cooperation from Afghanistan and Pakistan in the U.S. effort to hunt down those responsible for the attacks.
Dana Perino, who served as the White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush, joined ‘Fox & Friends’ to reflect on the Former Secretary of State.
Stating that Powell’s ‘generosity of spirit’ and ‘commanding presence’ will be the hallmark of his legacy. Former President George W. Bush released a statement on Powell’s passing Monday morning.
“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell,” he said. “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.”
Former Vice President Dick Cheney also released a statement on his passing, saying he was “deeply saddened to learn that America has lost a leader and a statesman. General Powell had a remarkably distinguished career, and I was fortunate to work with him,” Cheney said, adding that he “was a man who loved his country and served her long and well.“
Powell, was a man of incredible integrity and honesty although he supported former President Barack Obama in 2008 against fellow Republican and military veteran and war hero John McCain. He maintained that support in 2012 against RINO, Mitt Romney. As conservatives, we should take into account the entirety of his illustrious career. He was an American first and foremost, who loved his country and will be remembered as one of America’s finest.
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