Congressman Bishop Mourns the Passing of Trailblazing Leader Colin Powell

Statement

Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement on the passing of former Joint Chiefs Chair and Secretary of State, Colin Powell:

"America has lost an extraordinary leader. He was a trailblazer, most notably the first African American to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the first to serve as U.S. Secretary of State.

"He was a battle-hardened warrior who knew the value of leading with diplomacy. He was an inspiration and beacon of hope to generations of service members who followed him -- especially Black Soldiers who saw in him the possibility of their own potential.

"I was blessed to know and work with him and hear his reflections on his time at Fort Benning. I will always remember the joy with which he joined us in 2009 to open the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia.

"Though his accomplishments were stellar -- twice receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- Colin Powell continually demonstrated class and dignity, always putting patriotism over partisanship.

"The world is a better place because of his leadership."

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