Politicians and world leaders are reacting after the death of Colin Powell, a Vietnam War veteran who rose to the rank of four-star general and became both the first African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Secretary of State. Powell died of complications related to COVID-19 Monday morning, according to his family. He was 84.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Joe Biden said he is \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d by Powell\u2019s death, and said that<\/a> Powell helped shape America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrom his front-seat view of history, advising presidents and shaping our nation\u2019s policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else \u2014 in uniform and out \u2014 and it earned him the universal respect of the American people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Former President George Bush and former first lady Laura Bush released a statement<\/a> through the George W. Bush President Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe was such a favorite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom \u2014 twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad. And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Former President Barack Obama remembered Powell as an \u201cexemplary soldier and an exemplary patriot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEveryone who worked with General Powell appreciated his clarity of thought, insistence on seeing all sides, and ability to execute. And although he\u2019d be the first to acknowledge that he didn\u2019t get every call right, his actions reflected what he believed was best for America and the people he served,\u201d wrote Obama on Twitter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Powell was a \u201cdedicated diplomat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe lived the promise of America, and spent a lifetime working to help our country, especially our young people, live up to its own ideals and noblest aspirations at home and around the world,\u201d said a statement released on behalf of the Clintons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed Powell\u2019s diplomacy, writing on Twitter, \u201cToday we lost an extraordinary leader and great man: Colin Powell \u2026 He was an exceptional diplomat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice remembered Powell\u2019s friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe was a trusted colleague and a dear friend through some very challenging times. His devotion to our nation was not limited to the many great things he did while in uniform or during his time spent in Washington,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Others who worked with Powell in Washington, D.C. called Powell a friend as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGeneral Powell\u2019s character, skill, and decency have left an enduring legacy, and he offered as fine a model of leadership as I have ever known,\u201d wrote CIA Director Bill Burns. \u201cI had the honor of working for him at both the National Security Council staff and the State Department, and have always treasured him as mentor and friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs a young officer, General Powell rendered brave and distinguished service on the front lines,\u201d wrote Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. \u201cAs a senior leader, he helped four presidents protect our nation, represent us on the world stage, and chart our course through uncertain and turbulent times that included the dawn of a new century and the beginning of our global war on terrorists who will not leave America alone even if we leave them alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The NAACP<\/a> noted Powell\u2019s global influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGen. Colin Powell lived a life of honor and integrity,\u201d said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO. \u201cA four-star general, the first Black US Secretary of State, and an NAACP Spingarn Medal recipient. He was a good man who inspired many.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Governor Kathy Hochul called the native New Yorker a trailblazer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hochul ordered flags on state buildings in New York to be lowered to half-staff<\/a> in Powell\u2019s honor. His presence will also be missed at his alma mater, The City College of New York, where the school for civic and global leadership bears Powell\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo words seem adequate at this moment,\u201d said Andrew Rich, Dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. \u201cThis school is his. He was our leader and our friend. His pride in this place gave all of us strength, and we are heartbroken.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rich said Powell attended every graduation and always shook hands with graduates. That kindness extended beyond New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe was wonderful to work with, he inspired loyalty and respect and was one of those leaders who always treated those under them with kindness and concern,\u201d said former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair<\/a>. \u201cHis life stands as a testament not only to dedicated public service but also a strong belief in willingness to work across partisan division in the interests of his country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n President Joe Biden ordered flags to fly at half-staff<\/a> until Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Powell is survived by his wife Alma, their three children, and grandchildren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n