Officials are reacting today to the passing of Gen. Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell, age 84, passed away Monday morning due to complications from COVID-19. Powell’s family in a Facebook statement that Powell was fully vaccinated.
In the statement, the family reflected, “We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.”
In a news release statement, Mississippi U.S. Senator Roger Wicker said, “Colin Powell was the embodiment of the American Dream. The son of Jamaican immigrants, he went to college on an ROTC scholarship and rose to become one of the most consequential leaders of our time. I am fortunate to have known him.”
Wicker continued, “Apart from his official public service, he was an inspiration to many, including me, in his role as Founding Chairman of America’s Promise Alliance, which encourages young Americans to take full advantage of our country’s unique opportunities. The United States and the world community have lost a giant.”
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith made the following comment on her Twitter account.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Gen. Colin Powell. He was a lifelong servant to our nation, and will be missed by many. Praying for healing for his family and loved ones. 💕🙏
— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) October 18, 2021
Mississippi First District Congressman Trent Kelly posted on his Facebook page Monday, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of General Colin Powell. He was a man of distinction – a great leader and devoted public servant.”
Another official reacting to Powell’s death was Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann.
“Remain calm. Be kind.” One of former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell’s 13 rules to live by. General Powell was a true public servant, a leader in diplomacy, and a family man at heart. His leadership will be missed. https://t.co/PTEQi3bfMT
