PEORIA, Ill. – Former Congressman and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he was always impressed with former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell.
Powell died Monday from complications due to COVID-19 at the age of 84.
LaHood says Powell was a great mind when it came to international affairs.
“Very intelligent, very smart, very well-spoken, very committed to America and, really, enhancing our ability to be the leader in the world, in the international community,” said LaHood.
LaHood says Powell may have been a Republican, but wasn’t afraid to cross party lines, as evidenced when he endorsed Barack Obama for President.
Outside of that is what LaHood might be something that didn’t get much attention that may be Powell’s most admirable quality.
“After he left government, he started an organization that mentored young people — in particular, African American young people — in the ways of leadership, and trying to develop leaders, within the organization that he started.”
Powell started the Colin Powell School Fellowships Program through the City Colleges of New York, where a school for civic and global leadership in his name also resides.
LaHood called Powell an “outstanding American.”
