It saddened me on Monday to learn that Colin Powell had died. He was eighty-four years old. Apparently, he had been battling various significant health issues for several years, including myeloma, which had compromised his immune system. Despite being fully vaccinated, he contracted a breakthrough case of COVID-19, and was hospitalized at Walter Reed, which is where he died. He is survived by his wife, Alma, to whom he had been married since 1962, and the couple's three children, Annemarie, Linda, and Michael.
He was neither a saint nor a perfect human being. I do not offer either of those observations as a criticism. Based on everything I have ever read written about him, everything he has written himself, and everything he has ever publicly said, I feel I am keeping pretty good company with General Powell writing what I have written. He never attempted to pass himself off as either a saint or a perfect mortal.
He was, however, the personification of the American Dream. He devoted a sizable portion of his life to being in the service of this country and its people, whether during his extended military career or as a civilian. Was he flawless? Of course not.
However, when he made a mistake, he did not run away from it.
-AK
I worked for him in Germany when we were both in V Corps; he was in charge, and I wasn't. Very self-deprecating sense of humor and a quick wit who seemed determined to help everyone around him be as successful as was possible. He made your day better by being a part of it.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that little nugget of information. Thanks for sharing it!
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