Both former Vice President Dick Cheney and U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney publicly mourned the death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Monday.
“I’m deeply saddened to learn that America has lost a leader and statesman,” Dick Cheney said. “General Powell had a remarkably distinguished career, and I was fortunate to work with him. He was a man who loved his country and served her long and well.”
Powell died Monday of complications related to COVID-19, despite the fact he was fully vaccinated, although it was not clear if he had received a booster shot. He was 84.
“Working with him during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, I saw first-hand General Powell’s dedication to the United States and his commitment to the brave and selfless men and women who serve our country in uniform,” Dick Cheney said. “Colin was a trailblazer and role model for so many: the son of immigrants who rose to become National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Secretary of State.”
“Very sorry to hear of the passing of General Colin Powell. He was a statesman and a leader who loved and served our nation,” Cheney’s daughter, U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, said on social media Monday.
According to CNN, Powell had multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells that suppresses the body’s immune response.
Powell was the first Black U.S. secretary of state under former President George W. Bush’s administration, the first Black national security adviser during former President Ronald Reagan’s administration, the youngest and first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.
He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice.
Powell is survived by his wife Alma and three children.
