Colin Powell 1937-2021

General Colin Powell passed away today.  It is a great loss for the nation, and for the world.  I didn't know him personally, but I knew a great deal about him, and respected him immensely. 

The only time I ever saw him in person was in 1992, at the National War College, where I was a student. He gave the most impressive speech of the year (at the time, he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff).  He spoke before the entire faculty and classes of the NWC and ICAF at George C. Marshall Hall, a relatively new facility on the grounds of Fort McNair.  Powell spoke eloquently, and directly.  He didn’t duck questions, and he engaged with everyone in his uniquely charismatic way.  It was obvious that he was extremely popular with the troops, and for good reason.  

In later years, when he became Secretary of State, I knew exactly what to expect, and I was not disappointed.  His very first speech at the State Department, given on the day of his arrival, was attended by thousands of State employees who spontaneously assembled at the C Street entrance to welcome him.  He was one of the few Secretaries in recent history to actually care about his troops and look out for their welfare during his frequent visits to the Hill, and because of this, he won the loyalty of the working stiffs in the Department to a greater degree than anyone since George Shultz.

I may not have known him personally when he was Secretary of State, but in a way, he knew me.  He was reportedly a fan of the E-Grams I did from Vladivostok and Moscow 2001-2002, and once commented favorably on them in a staff meeting. He paid attention.

General Powell will be missed by all who knew him. We all benefited from his wise and humane policies.