Colin Powell

Colin Luther Powell (1937–2021) was an American statesman and retired four-star U.S. Army general. He served in the U.S. Army for decades, rising to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993). Powell later held senior national security roles, including National Security Advisor (1987–1989), and served as the 65th U.S. Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush. Known for his public advocacy of diplomacy and coalition-building, he was also a bestselling author. His memoir *My American Journey* (1995), written with Joseph E. Persico, recounts his upbringing, military career, and public service.