American military hero and elder statesman Colin Powell died today at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, from complications associated with COVID-19. Although fully vaccinated, Powell additionally suffered from myeloma, a cancer in plasma cells. He was 84 years old.

Over the course of 35 years, Powell served with distinction in the United States Army. When Powell retired from military service in 1993, he was a four-star general. Powell served as National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan and later as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. From 2001 to 2005, Powell served as President George W. Bush’s Secretary of State.

Bush lauded Powell’s memory in a statement issued today:

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam. 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. And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.

Fairfax GOP Chairman Steve Knotts echoed Bush’s statement, recalling Powell’s valor and statesmanship. “Colin Powell was highly respected across party lines,” Knotts said. “His example continues to inspire Americans today. We remain thankful for Colin Powell’s lifetime of service, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his many friends and loved ones.”