Governor Whitmer & Lt. Governor Gilchrist on Passing of Colin Powell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18, 2021

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Governor Whitmer & Lt. Governor Gilchrist on Passing of Colin Powell

LANSING, Mich.-Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist released the following statements after the passing of Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Security Advisor, and retired U.S. Army General.

"Colin Powell wasa statesmanwho served his country in uniform and at the highest levels of government for decades," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "As a soldier, he was deployed inthe Vietnam War and went on to holdvarious national security and diplomacy roles under fourpresidents: Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, and BushJr. Secretary Powell embodied values we all strive to live by: fidelity, independence, andhumility. My thoughts are with his family and all those who looked up to him as a soldier, a leader, and an American."

"As a soldier, cabinet secretary, and public servant, Secretary Powell led a lifetime of distinguished service to his country," said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II."He was our first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State. For so many, he was a symbol of the heights to which anyone can rise in America. In the example of his leadership and devotion to public service, he will continue to inspire future generations."

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