General Biography of General Colin Powell
General Biography of General Colin Powell
General Colin Powell was born on April 15, 1937 in New York city and was raised in the South Bronx. His parents are Luther and Maud Powell. They immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. General Powell was educated in the NYC public school district and graduated from Moris High School. After high school he attended the City College of New York, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in geology. He also participated in ROTC at CCNY and received a commission as an Army second lieutenant upon graduating in June 1958. His further schooling included a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University.
General Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held myriad command and staff positions. For four years he was the twelfth chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. He is the recipient of numerous U.S. military awards and decorations including: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. The governments of 16 other countries have also decorated him. He is also the recipient of an honorary knight hood, bestowed by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The General also served on the Board of Governors of The Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
General Powell is married to Vivian Johnson of Birmingham, Alabama. He has three children, Michael, Linda and Annemarie and two grandchildren.
I think General Powell would make a great leader because he has great political and military knowledge. He is respected by many countries and by many people. He is aware of what it is like to be an average class citizen especially being raised in the South Bronx, he can relate to people more on their level. He is very involved in helping children become successful adults. His efforts, on behalf of the nation’s youth, have been endorsed by every living U.S. president. That has to give him a lot of recognition for being a good leader and an all around great man.
Bibliography
“Powell, Colin”. Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia. 1993-1997
“Powell, Colin”. americaspromise.org/GEM4.htm. 2000