Milwaukee City Wire

Wisconsin State Rep. David Bowen recently expressed his regrets at the passing of Gen. Colin Powell, the first black U.S. Secretary of State.

CNN News reports that Powell's family announced that he died at the age of 84 due to COVID-19 complications and noted that he was fully vaccinated. Powell was once considered a contender to become the first U.S. black president, but ended up using his political capital to help get Barack Obama elected instead.

“Gen. Colin Powell was an inspiration to many generations and especially to me witnessing his political growth and impact,” Bowen wrote in Oct. 18 Twitter post. "Just like me, he was born of Jamaican immigrant parents! Sad to hear of his passing of COVID-19 complications! Praying for his family and all who loved him!”

Like Bowen, Powell was born to Jamaican immigrants in the South Bronx, according to FOX News. He joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at New York’s City College, graduating as a cadet colonel. He served in the military for 35 years, including operations in Vietnam and Korea, earning 11 military decorations throughout his service. He served in the administrations of four U.S. presidents: Nixon, Carter, Reagan and most notably, Bush. He was in Bush’s cabinet from 2001-2005 and was involved in decision making following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

According to Washington Post, journalists called his strategy the “Powell Doctrine”: only use force when the U.S. had “overwhelming and decisive” military strength, popular support and a clear objective. Although he had doubts about the U.S. invasion of Iraq, he publicly supported the move. Later, he would say that he regretted putting his weight behind that decision.

Powell is survived by his wife, Alma Powell and three children, Michael, Linda and Annemarie.