Colin Powell, R.I.P.

This past weekend we lost a great soldier, statesman and 

diplomat; Gen. Colin Powell, leader of our military forces 

in the Gulf War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 

National Security Advisor, Secretary of State, 

as well as a member of three Republican presidential 

administrations, passed away after battling

Parkinson's disease, cancer and coronavirus. 

Eighty-four years of age at the time of his death, Powell

led a full life not merely in terms of longevity but of

accomplishment. He was the first black Secretary of State

as well as the first black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 

of Staff, a double record. Respected by members of both

the Republicans and Democrats, Powell was also known 

for his modesty, optimism and sense of humor. He never

let his considerable career success go to his head. 

With the late Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf as his executive 

officer, the two field leaders created the battle plan which

helped the United States and her allies win the Gulf War 

in just six weeks. American forces captured and marched 

off the surviving members of Iraq's Elite Army forces,

right after Iraq dictator Saddam Hussein promised that 

his elite soldiers would bring about "The Mother of all

battles" and that his forces would produce a huge 

surrender by the U.S. and allied forces. Although Saddam 

was right about the battle and the surrender, he was wrong 

about which side would give up. 

In addition to his work regarding Iraq and Afghanistan, 

Powell involved himself in other aspects of U.S. foreign

policy, including improving bilateral relations with China 

and Russia. Powell also worked to withdraw the U.S. 

from the U.S.-Russian Ballistic Missile Treaty.

Furthermore, Powell also pushed for international cooperation

for North Korea and Iran to end their nuclear weapons program.

He successfully helped bring about Libya's nonproliferation

of nuclear weaponry in 2003, a feather in both his and President

George W. Bush's hats. While in the Second Bush cabinet, 

Powell also urged President Bush to increase his commitment

to the international fight against AIDS.

Born In Harlem, New York to Jamaican parents and joining 

his college's ROTC program, graduating at the top of his class 

at the City College of New York and achieving the top rank of

cadet colonel, Powell was a decorated soldier in the Vietnam 

War, earning a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Soldier's 

Medal. From his military career he began a career as a diplomat

and an indispensable member of three administrations. His life

is a sterling example of how one can achieve success in the 

United States through hard work and relentless effort. In his

own way, Colin Powell achieved the American Dream. 

Sir, you have done your country proud. You have been a model

to be emulated by the current and coming generations of

Americans. Rest in Peace. 

MEM