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Colin Luther Powell
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As Secretary of State
First African-American Secretary of State
Foreign Travels
of Secretary of State Colin
Powell
Profile
Born: April 5, 1937
Died:
Married: Alma
Vivian Johnson
Education: City College
of New York; George Washington University
Occupation: Military/Public
Official
Government
Positions
Commisioned as second lieutenant in ROTC 1958
Served as an infantry platoon leader at the Fulda Gap in West Germany
Served as a military advisor in South Vietnam, returning again in 1968 for a second tour of duty as a battalion executive officer in the American division
Executive Assistant to the Defense Secretary in the Carter administration
Military Assistant to the Defense Secretary during the Reagan administration
National Security Advisor to President Reagan 1987-1989
1989 Became Four Star General and appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (He is the youngest & 1st African American to hold the post)
Achieved prominence for his role in the military effort against Iraq 1990-1991
Retired from the U.S. Army 1993
Notable
Events
Highest ranking African American officer in U.S. history
He was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Soldier's Medal, and the Legion of Merit for his service in Vietnam
Chaired the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in Philadelphia 1997
Chairman of America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth
Member of both the Board of Directors of the United Negro College Fund and the Advisory Board of the Children's Health Fund
Serves on the Board of Governors of The Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Author