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Colin Powell
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Why was this a big accomplishment?
In 1972, Colin Powell won a White House fellowship and was assigned to the office of Management and Budget during the Nixon Administration.
Later, Powell became the assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Energy. Powell was promoted to Senior Military Aide to the Secretary of Defense.
In 1987, Powell served as National Security Adviser and in 1989 was promoted again to Chairman Of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In 2000, Colin was appointed by George W. Bush to be Secretary of State. At the time, this was the highest position in civilian government held by an African American.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a group of leaders in the Department of Defense who advice the President, Homeland Security, National Security Council and the Secretary of Defense on military issues and matters. Outside of the Joint Chiefs of staff, members work for the Secretary of the Military department they work in( Navy, Airforce, Army etc. ).
This is an important position in our government and Colin Powell was the first African American appointed to be in the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Army Career Continued...
Colin Powell
(1837-present)
1. Colin Powell released an autobiography in 1995 called, "My American Journey".
2. Colin and his wife were the chairmen of a non-profit organization called America's Promise. Although he is no longer the chairman, he is still involved in the organization as the co-chairman.
3. Powell openly criticized the Bush Administration on multiple issues.
4. Powell endorsed President Obama when he was running for president in 2008.
In 1973, Powell served in Korea as a commander in a battalion. 3 years later in 1976, he was promoted to Brigadier General after attending the National War College for two years. He commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.
Powell was promoted to Major General and was known as a National figure during the Dessert Storm and Shield operations. He came up with a plan called the Powell Doctrine that was a way to use a lot of force at the same time as keeping casualty numbers low.
In 1993, Colin retired from the U.S Army, but went on a peace-keeping expedition in Haiti with Senator Sam Nunn and Jimmy Carter one year later. This expedition resulted in Haiti's return of elected government.
Colin Powell was born on
April 5, 1837 to two Jamaican
immigrant parents, Luther
and Maud Powell. He was
born in Harlem, but was
raised in the South Bronx.
Colin attended the
city college of NY.
Army career
Bio video on Colin Powell
While at the City College of New York, Powell joined the Army unit of the Reserve Officers Training Corp. Soon after he became the commander of his unit.
Powell graduated in 1958 and became a 2nd Lieutenant of the United States Army. In 1962, he was sent to Vietnam, but was injured by a Punji stick trap. He was rewarded with the Purple Heart and later the Bronze star.
On his second tour in Vietnam( 1968-1969), Powell was assigned to investigate the My Lai Massacre, but was again injured, this time in a helicopter crash. Powell was able to rescue his comrades from the helicopter and was awarded the Soldier's medal.