how long was colin powell attorney general

How long did Colin Powell serve as Secretary of State?

 · Who Was Colin Powell? Colin Luther Powell was a United States statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State (2001-2005 ...

How long was Colin Powell a soldier?

 · Colin Powell, in full Colin Luther Powell, (born April 5, 1937, New York, New York, U.S.—died October 18, 2021, Bethesda, Maryland), U.S. general and statesman. He was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–93) and secretary of state (2001–05), the first African American to hold either position. The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell grew up in the Harlem and …

How old was Colin Powell when he became National Security Advisor?

Term of Appointment: 01/20/2001 to 01/26/2005. Travels. Speeches and Remarks (including audio and video) Photos. Colin L. Powell was nominated by President Bush on December 16, …

How old was Colin Powell when he was chairman of Joint Chiefs?

 · Powell pushed for a swift military response to 9/11 in 2001, and Iraq intervention in 2003. He was criticized for presenting questionable intelligence to the United Nations in a 75 …

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 · "General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19," the Powell …

Who was Colin Powell?

Colin Powell was a U.S. general and statesman. He was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–93) and secretary of state (2001–05). Powell was...

When did Colin Powell resign as U.S. secretary of state?

Colin Powell announced his resignation as U.S. secretary of state in 2004. He was succeeded by Condoleezza Rice in 2005.

Did Colin Powell play a role in Operation Desert Storm?

Colin Powell played a leading role in planning the Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations of the Persian Gulf crisis and war (August 1990–March...

What books did Colin Powell write?

Colin Powell wrote My American Journey (1995, written with Joseph E. Persico) and It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership (2012, written with Tony...

What was Colin Powell's role in the Iraq War?

As U.S. secretary of state, Colin Powell unsuccessfully sought broader international support for the Iraq War. His speech before the UN in February...

Who Was Colin Powell?

Colin Luther Powell was a United States statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State (2001-2005), serving under President George W. Bush. He was the first African American appointed to that position.

Early Life and Education

Born Colin Luther Powell on April 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York, Powell was the son of Jamaican immigrants Luther and Maud Powell. He was raised in the South Bronx and educated in the New York City public schools, graduating from Morris High School in 1954 without any definite plans for where he wanted to go in life.

Graduation and Marriage

After graduation in 1958, Powell was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, Colin Powell met Alma Vivian Johnson of Birmingham, Alabama, and they married in 1962. The couple has three children: son Michael, and daughters Linda and Annemarie.

Early Military Career and Accomplishments

In 1962, he was one of 16,000 advisers sent to South Vietnam by President John F. Kennedy. In 1963, Powell was wounded by a punji-stick booby trap while patrolling the Vietnamese-Laotian border. During this first tour of duty, he was awarded a Purple Heart and, a year later, a Bronze Star.

Accomplishments Under the Reagan and Bush Administrations

Powell earned an MBA at George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., and won a White House fellowship in 1972. He was assigned to the Office of Management and Budget during the Nixon administration and made a lasting impression on Caspar Weinberger and Frank Carlucci.

Iraq Controversy

Powell retired from the Army in 1993. In 1994, he joined Senator Sam Nunn and former President Carter on a last-minute peacekeeping expedition to Haiti, which resulted in the end of military rule and a peaceful return to elected government in that country.

Secretary of State

In 2000, President George W. Bush appointed Powell secretary of state, and Powell was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. At that time, this was the highest rank in civilian government ever held by an African American. During his tenure, Powell came under fire for his role in building the case for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

When did Powell take over the Army?

Early in 1989 Powell took over the Army Forces Command. In April 1989 Powell became a four-star general, and in August Pres. George Bush nominated him chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Who succeeded Colin Powell?

Considered a political moderate in an administration dominated by hard-liners, Powell saw his influence in the White House wane, and he announced his resignation in 2004, shortly after Bush’s reelection; he was succeeded by Condoleezza Rice in 2005.

What did Colin Powell say about Iraq?

His speech before the UN in February 2003, in which he claimed that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, was later revealed to be based on faulty intelligence.

Where did Colin Powell grow up?

The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell grew up in the Harlem and South Bronx sections of New York City and attended the City College of New York (B.S., 1958), serving in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Who was the first African American to hold either position?

Colin Powell, in full Colin Luther Powell, (born April 5, 1937, New York, New York, U.S.), U.S. general and statesman. He was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–93) and secretary of state (2001–05), the first African American to hold either position.

Who was the first African American secretary of state?

In 1989 Colin Powell, a four-star general in the army, was chosen to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the country’s highest military post. In 2001 Powell also became the first African American secretary of state. In 2005 he was succeeded as secretary of state by…

When did Colin Powell join the Senate?

In September 2006, Powell joined moderate Senate Republicans in supporting more rights and better treatment for detainees at the Guantanamo detention facility. In October 2008, Colin Powell made headlines again when he announced his endorsement of Barack Obama for president.

What was Colin Powell's military career?

Early Military Career. Reagan and Bush Administrations. Iraq Controversy. Retirement. Jamaican-American military official and diplomat Colin Powell was born in New York in 1937. After serving two tours in Vietnam, he ascended the military ranks while earning positions at the Pentagon and the Department of Defense.

Why did Powell go to war with Bush?

Bush decided to go to war and, in a crucial moment, Powell agreed to support the president. To advance the case for war with the international community, Powell appeared before the U.N. Security Council in February 2003 to present evidence that Iraq had concealed an ongoing weapons development program.

Why did Colin Powell resign?

Bush’s secretary of state in 2000, but resigned in 2004 after acknowledging his defense of an Iraq invasion was based on faulty information.

Why did Colin Powell come under fire?

During his tenure, Powell came under fire for his role in building the case for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Initially, Powell had serious misgivings about President Bush’s plan to invade Iraq and overthrow Saddam Hussein. Powell believed the policy of containment was sufficient to control the Iraqi regime.

How many children does Colin Powell have?

While stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, Colin Powell met Alma Vivian Johnson of Birmingham, Alabama, and they married in 1962. The couple now has three children: son Michael, and daughters Linda and Annemarie. That same year, he was one of 16,000 advisers sent to South Vietnam by President John Kennedy.

What did Colin Powell get wounded by?

That same year, he was one of 16,000 advisers sent to South Vietnam by President John Kennedy. In 1963, Powell was wounded by a punji-stick booby trap while patrolling the Vietnamese-Laotian border. During this first tour of duty, he was awarded a Purple Heart and, a year later, a Bronze Star.

When was Colonel Powell promoted to Colonel?

After attending the National War College from 1975 to 1976, Powell was promoted to full colonel and given command of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In July 1977, Colonel Powell was appointed Deputy Secretary of Defense by President Jimmy Carter and was promoted to brigadier general in 1979.

When did Colin Powell become the youngest officer?

W. Bush appointed him as the nation’s 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). At age 52 , Powell became the youngest officer, the first African-American, and the first ROTC graduate to hold the highest military position in the Department of Defense.

What are some interesting facts about Colin Powell?

Fast Facts: Colin Powell 1 Known For: American statesman, retired four-star general, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, national security advisor, and secretary of state 2 Born: April 5, 1937 in New York City, New York 3 Parents: Maud Arial McKoy and Luther Theophilus Powell 4 Education: City College of New York, George Washington University (MBA, 1971) 5 Published Works: My American Journey, It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership 6 Military Awards and Honors: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Soldier's Medal, two Purple Hearts 7 Civilian Awards and Honors: President's Citizens Medal, Congressional Gold Medal, Presidential Medal of Freedom 8 Spouse: Alma Vivian Johnson 9 Children: Michael, Linda, and Annemarie 10 Notable Quote: “There is no end to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

What was the role of Powell in the Persian Gulf War?

During his tenure as JCS chairman, Powell orchestrated the U.S. military’s response to several crises, including the forceful removal from power of Panamanian dictator General Manuel Noriega in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. For his tendency to recommend diplomacy before military intervention as a first response to a crisis, Powell became known as “the reluctant warrior.” For his leadership during the Gulf War, Powell was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

What did Colin Powell do in Vietnam?

During his first of two tours in Vietnam, Powell served as an adviser to a South Vietnamese infantry battalion from December 1962 to November 1963. Suffering a foot wound while on patrol in an enemy-held area, he received a Purple Heart. After recovering, he completed the Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was promoted to major in 1966. In 1968, he attended Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, graduating second in his class of 1,244.

What role did Powell play in the war on terror?

Secretary Powell played a key role in managing the United States’ relationship with its foreign partners in the global War on Terrorism. Immediately after the September 11 terror attacks, he led the diplomatic effort to garner support from America’s allies in the Afghanistan War .

Where was Colin Powell born?

Colin Powell was born on April 5, 1937, in the Harlem neighborhood of the Manhattan borough of New York City. His Jamaican immigrant parents, Maud Arial McKoy and Luther Theophilus Powell, were both of mixed African and Scottish ancestry. Raised in the South Bronx, Powell graduated from Morris High School in 1954. He then attended the City College of New York, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. After serving two tours in Vietnam, Powell continued his education at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., earning an MBA in 1971.

How long was Secretary Powell in the military?

Secretary Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held myriad command and staff positions and rose to the rank of 4-star General. He was Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs from December 1987 to January 1989. His last assignment, from October 1, 1989 to September 30, 1993, was as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including Operation Desert Storm in the victorious 1991 Persian Gulf war.

When was Colin Powell nominated?

Speeches and Remarks (including audio and video) Photos. Colin L. Powell was nominated by President Bush on December 16, 2000 as Secretary of State. After being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he was sworn in as the 65th Secretary of State on January 20, 2001.

What are the awards that Colin Powell has received?

Secretary Powell’s civilian awards include two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the President’s Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal.

Who is Secretary Powell married to?

Secretary Powell is married to the former Alma Vivian Johnson of Birmingham, Alabama. The Powell family includes son Michael; daughters Linda and Anne; daughter-in-law Jane; son-in-law Francis; and grandsons Jeffrey and Bryan.

When was Powell's autobiography published?

Following his retirement, Secretary Powell wrote his best-selling autobiography, My American Journey, which was published in 1995. Additionally, he pursued a career as a public speaker, addressing audiences across the country and abroad.

When was Colin Powell sworn in?

In 2001, Powell was sworn in as the first Black US secretary of state.

What did Colin Powell do in college?

In college, Powell participated in ROTC, a military training program, and was leader of the precision drill team, earning a top rank.

How did Colin Powell die?

Colin Powell, former military leader and the first Black US secretary of state, has died of complications from Covid-19 at the age of 84. Here is a look back at some key facts from Powell’s life, reported by CNN:

When was Colin Powell named a knight?

In 1993 , Powell was named an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath by Queen Elizabeth II.

How did Colin Powell die?

Colin Powell, the former secretary of State and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has died from Covid complications at the age of 84.

Who praised Colin Powell?

Leaders and former colleagues hailed him as a leader and a hero. Former President George W. Bush, whom Powell served as secretary of State, praised him as a “great public servant.” His successor at the State Department, Condoleezza Rice, called Powell “a truly great man.”

What disease did Colin Powell have?

Powell, who was fully vaccinated against Covid, had several underlying conditions. He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and had been treated recently for multiple myeloma, according to a Powell family spokesperson.

What did Colin Powell call the speech?

Powell would later call the speech a “blot” on his distinguished record. In 2016, he said the speech was a “great intelligence failure.” Tens of thousands of people, including about 5,000 U.S. service members, died in the war, which lasted from 2003 until 2011.

Why did Colin Powell go to the United Nations?

After being presented with an intelligence assessment that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had amassed a deadly and dangerous arsenal, Powell went to the United Nations to make the American case for war with Iraq.

When did Bush say once you break it, you are going to own it?

Soon thereafter, the Bush administration turned its attention to Iraq. As talk of an invasion grew louder, Powell warned Bush in 2002 that “once you break it, you are going to own it,” referring to Iraq.

Who called Colin Powell his friend?

President Joe Biden called Powell his friend and fondly remembered that the late statesman and general “could drive his Corvette Stingray like nobody’s business.”

When did Colin Powell become secretary of state?

Powell is joined by his wife as the President swears him in as secretary of state in 2001.

What happened to Colin Powell?

Powell serves as an adviser to a Vietnamese infantry battalion while deployed in 1963. Powell was wounded that year by a Viet Cong booby trap. He was also wounded in a 1969 helicopter crash in which he rescued two soldiers.

How did Colin Powell die?

While much was made of his leadership and life of public service in tributes to Powell, friends and family shared personal anecdotes and mourned him as a family man and "a great lion with a big heart." Powell died on October 18 from complications from Covid-19 at the age of 84.

What did Colin Powell say about Iraq?

"There can be no doubt," Powell warned, "that Saddam Hussein has biological weapons and the capability to rapidly produce more, many more." The United States went to war with Iraq just six weeks after Powell's speech. Inspectors, however, later found no such weaponry in Iraq, and two years after Powell's UN speech, a government report said the intelligence community was "dead wrong" in its assessments of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction capabilities. Powell later called his UN speech a "blot" that will forever be on his record. "The event will earn a prominent paragraph in my obituary," Powell wrote in his 2012 memoir.

Where did Alma Powell acknowledge people?

Alma Powell acknowledges people at the end of her husband's funeral at Washington National Cathedral.

When did Colin Powell pose for a portrait?

Colin Powell poses for a portrait in 2012.

When did Colin Powell read papers?

Powell reads over papers while standing in the Oval Office in 2004.

Early Military Career

Reagan and Bush Administrations

Iraq Controversy

• Colin Powell retired from the Army in 1993. In 1994, he joined Senator Sam Nunn and former President Jimmy Carter on a last-minute peacekeeping expedition to Haiti, which resulted in the end of military rule and a peaceful return to elected government in that country. In 1995, he published a best-selling autobiography, My American Journey, which ch...

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Retirement

Early Life and Education

Early Military Career

Vietnam War

Post-Vietnam War

Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

Post-Military Career

• Powell’s tenure as chairman of the JCS continued until he retired from the military on September 30, 1993. Upon his retirement, Powell was awarded a second Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton and named an honorary Knight Commander by England’s Queen Elizabeth II. In September 1994, President Clinton chose Powell to accompany for...

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Secretary of State

Post-Retirement Business and Political Activity

Personal Life

Sources and Further Reference