Congresswoman Plaskett Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Colin Powell, Former Secretary of State

Press Release

Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement expressing condolences on the passing of Colin Powell:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Secretary of State, Colin Powell. He was a towering figure to me--Caribbean American, New Yorker, statesman, soldier, diplomat, servant, humble, ground breaker, pioneer and the epitome of accountability. He loved his wife and family, and his country. The first time I met him was at a State Department meeting. I staffed my boss, Larry Thompson who was the Deputy Attorney General at that time. As we walked through the hall to a conference room, a big man in a suit was bent over a copy machine trying to unjam paper. It was Secretary Powell. My boss stopped and said with a chuckle, "Mr. Secretary, you all right down there?" Secretary Powell got off his knees with an embarrassed staffer next to him and said, "General Thompson, just trying to help my staff get these documents together for the meeting." My boss rolled his eyes, "You're always looking for a reason to tinker with some damn machine." They shook hands and we walked into the meeting.

This was my first and lasting impression of Mr. Powell--no job was ever too big nor too small for him. He spoke and lived by the principles he believed in and was an eternal optimist. I strive to embody the diligence and excellence he exercised in whatever he set his hands and mind to do.

Enter your rest sir, you've been a good and faithful servant. I send my love and prayers for comfort and peace to his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones.

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