Colin Powell's family announced the passing of the retired four-star general yesterday, saying, "We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, and grandfather and a great American."
The former secretary of state reportedly died of COVID complications. According to his family, he had been fully vaccinated against the virus.
As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Powell oversaw the successful invasion of Kuwait to oust the Iraqi army in 1991. He later became secretary of state under George W. Bush, where he made the case for war against Iraq.
Bob Maginnis, senior fellow for national security at the Family Research Council, knew Powell personally, having served under him as a young Army lieutenant in Korea.
"He could have actually run for the presidency and arguably would have won," Maginnis submits. "He was discouraged, apparently by his wife, Alma, and decided against it."
Maginnis recalls Powell's character as his battalion commander in Korea.
"He was very personable and very intelligent, a very capable leader -- someone who didn't go along with a lot of the fellow officers," the defense analyst remembers.
In an environment of "some pretty bad behavior," Maginnis says Powell did not participate in the womanizing, the alcohol, and the like.
"To his credit, he was a good man," Maginnis shares.
