Rest in peace, Gen. Colin Powell

To the editor:

Raised in the Bronx, Gen. Colin Powell grew to be a giant in national security and foreign affairs. He graduated from City College New York, and took his New York skill, work ethic, values and pride into every endeavor.

Gen. Powell served our nation from the jungles of Vietnam to becoming our first African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Serving his country did not end when he retired from military service.

Gen. Powell served as Secretary of State in a time of great national crisis.

When City College created the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, Gen. Powell immediately became hands-on. He shook the hand of every graduate, and took time to personally meet and hear the stories of current students.

As a city college graduate, I had the privilege to attend a recent event where he spoke of his journey. Gen. Powell became emotional when speaking of current students. All present were moved by his love of this city, and our future leaders.

A life of service has ended. As a veteran and the chair of Community Board 8’s special committee on veteran services, we take this moment to salute this son of the Bronx.

Rest in peace, Gen. Colin Powell.

Sergio Villaverde

The author is a retired commander with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve

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