Colin Powell

Colin Powell's Early Life

Colin Powell was born in New York City on April 5, 1937. He was raised in the South Bronx by his parents who were immigrants from Jamaica.

After attending public schools, Powell attended the City College of New York, and received his bachelor’s degree in geology in 1958. While in college he participated in the ROTC program. Upon graduation, the Army appointed him as a second lieutenant.

Powell's Military Service

In 1962, Powell served as a military advisor in Vietnam. Six years later, the army appointed him as battalion executive officer and division operations officer in Vietnam. He returned the United States in 1969, and earned his MBA from George Washington University in 1971.

In 1972, Powell served as the assistant to the deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget. Thereafter, he served in several government positions. From 1983 to 1986, he served as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense. In 1987, he was appointed as the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. He served in this position until 1989 when he was appointed as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this position he oversaw Operation Desert Storm of the Persian Gulf War.

Life after the Military

In 1993, Powell retired from military service. During his career, he received numerous medals. They include the Purple Heart and Bronze Star (1963), Soldiers Medal and the Secretary’s Award (1988), and the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award (1988). After retirement, Powell published his autobiography, My American Journey (1995). As Powell travel around the country to promote his book, there was speculation as to whether he would run for President in 1996; he declined to run. Instead, Powell embarked upon a public speaking career that led him throughout the United States and abroad.

In 1997, Powell began serving as chairman of America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth, a non-profit organization promoting character development and competence of young people. He served as chairman until President George W. Bush nominated him the Secretary of State on December 16, 2000. On January 20, 2001, he was sworn in. In November 2004, Powell resigned after President Bush won reelection.