Gen. Colin Powell – soldier, statesman, patriot and role model for all Americans

It was an enormous shock to learn that Colin Powell died at 84 of complications from COVID-19.

His devotion to duty, commitment to America, and innate sense of dignity and decency made him seem ageless and timeless. 

We live near the Powells in McLean, Virginia. Our pictures hang side-by-side at Simon's Shoe and Luggage Repair. As a four-star general, secretary of state and national security adviser, Powell wandered around town as a normal citizen. He greeted one and all with courtesy and kindness.