Colin Powell, 1937–2021
General Colin L. Powell, former US Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021 at the age of 84 due to complications from Covid-19. He was fully vaccinated.
“That’s what you really have to look for in life, something that you like, and something that you think you’re pretty good at. And if you can put those two things together, then you’re on the right track, and just drive on.” ~ Colin Powell
Throughout his distinguished career, Powell was honored with countless awards. His military honors include a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Defense Distinguished Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters. He was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by presidents George H.W. Bush and Clinton, the latter with distinction. He was awarded the second Ronald Reagan Freedom Award, the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, and the Liberty Medal. The Boy Scouts of America honored him with their highest adult honor, the Silver Buffalo Award.
The son of Jamaican immigrants, retired four-star general Powell decided on a military career while at City College of New York. He served in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. A White House Fellowship brought him to the attention of Caspar Weinberger, who later, as President Ronald Reagan’s secretary of defense, made Powell his aide.
Powell became national security advisor in 1987 and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1991 and helped plan Operation Desert Storm. There, he enunciated the “Powell doctrine” of using “decisive force” to maximize success and minimize casualties, a reformulation of strategy resulting from the army’s unhappiness with the way in which the United States fought the Vietnam War.
In 1993, Powell retired from the military after a career that spanned three decades. Along with his wife, Alma, he went on to found America’s Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the growth of young people. In 2001 President George W. Bush appointed Powell to be the first African American secretary of state.
Powell will forever be associated with his presentation on Feb. 5, 2003, to the U.N. Security Council, making President George W. Bush’s case that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein constituted an imminent danger to the world because of Iraq’s stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons.
He admitted later that the presentation was rife with inaccuracies and twisted intelligence provided by others in the Bush administration and represented “a blot” that will “always be a part of my record.”
Powell became increasingly disenchanted with the Republican party and subsequently endorsed Democrats Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden last year in their presidential races against Donald Trump. Powell called Trump a habitual liar who posed a danger to the United States.
One of Powell’s best-known legacies is the “13 Rules of Leadership” he developed. His folksy list of tips for leaders was first published in Parade magazine in 1989, then later reprinted and repurposed across all walks of life. Powell’s first rule was “It ain’t as bad as you think,” followed by wisdom including “You can’t make someone else’s choices,” “Have a vision,” and “Be careful what you choose. You may get it.”
“Godspeed to Secretary Colin Powell who led with integrity, admitted fallibility and defended democracy. Deepest condolences to his loved ones and friends.” ~ Stacey Abrams
We have lost a remarkable man and a great American. Thank you General Powell for your service, passion, and dedication.
