Colin Powell, former US secretary of state, dies from COVID-19 complications

WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (KUNA) -- Former US secretary of state and chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell died Monday of COVID-19 complications.
His family wrote in a statement that Powell, 84, who was vaccinated, "passed away this morning due to complications from Covid-19." "We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American," the statement added.
Powell was the first African-American US Secretary of State serving under President George W. Bush and the first African American chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.
During his time as the 12th chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Powell oversaw the Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Former President George W. said in a statement, he was "deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant." "Many Presidents relied on General Powell's counsel and experience. He was National Security Adviser under President Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under my father and President Clinton, and Secretary of State during my Administration. He was such a favorite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom - twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad," he added. (end) si.aa