Former Secretary of State Colin Powell dies of COVID-19

Former Secretary of State and Chairman Joint Chiefs Gen. Colin Powell, 84, has passed away from complications related to COVID-19.

Gen. Powell played a major role in shaping the post-9/11 American foreign policy. He was the first Black Secretary of State and served during a period of uncertainty, when America was attacked.

He was known to support the idea of quick military action against terrorists behind the attacks. Gen. Powell also demanded cooperation from Afghanistan and Pakistan to help the US take out those responsible for the attacks.

Post 9/11, Gen. Powell also pushed the UN to investigate Saddam Hossein’s alleged WMDs. He presented intel on the alleged stockpiles but was against landing in Iraq alone and without a long-term plan.

Gen. Powell also pushed the Bush Administration to increase its efforts in the international battle against AIDS. His actions secured more funding for the fight.

Powell’s political career began during the Nixon Administration when he worked in the White House Office of Management and Budget. Before that he served 35 years in the military.

He was awarded the Purple Heart in 1962 and the Bronze Star later in the same year. Gen. Powell was also awarded the Soldier’s Medal during the 1968/69 tour of duty in Vietnam for rescuing his fellow soldiers from a burning helicopter despite being injured in the crash.

He received 11 military decorations, which includes the Legion of Merit.

After Nixon, he went on to work under President Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bush senior, Bill Clinton, and then George W. Bush.

Former President George W. Bush released a statement after learning about Gen. Powell’s death.

“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,” President Bush said in a statement.

“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 added.

“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,” he went on.

“Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man,” President Bush concluded.

Gen. Colin Powell was a Republican but in the 2020 Democratic National Convention he fully endorsed Joe Biden for President. He hoped the current President would reunite the country.

He leaves behind a wife and three children.