WASHINGTON D.C. — Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, passed away, his family says, from COVID-19 complications.
In an online post, the family of the late Secretary of State said, “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.”
Powell, 84, was the first African- American to serve as Secretary of State.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement on the passing of Colin Powell. “Today our country has lost one of its most accomplished citizens, General Colin L. Powell. A son of Jamaican immigrants, General Powell served his country in the U.S. Army beginning in ROTC and rose through the ranks to become a four-star general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Colin Powell also served our nation as the first African-American Secretary of State, traveling the world as America’s top diplomat. Colin Powell cared about helping America’s young people and was the chairman of America’s Promise, a non-profit organization to help young people build character.” The governor added, “Fran and I extend our sympathy to Secretary Powell’s wife, Alma, and the entire Powell family.”
Former President George W. Bush said, “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 the Vietnam War. He was National Security Advisor under President Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under my father, and President Clinton, and Secretary of State under 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. Laura and I send Alma and his children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.”
Powell’s influence greatly affected foreign policy in what is known as the Powell Doctrine. According to historians, the Powell Doctrine emphasizes that American national security interests are also at stake during a military intervention. There must be an overwhelming force with priority placed on ground forces.
Powell was a four-star general with a lengthy military career spanning multiple decades. He oversaw the invasion of Panama in 1989 and the Gulf War in 1991 before entering the world of politics.
Arraignments for the late Secretary of States memorial were not immediately released.
