LEADERSHIP: The Prowess of Colin Powell

What makes a good leader? - "Colin Powell." Nothing could surpass his military and political expertise. Although he is an African American, he became the first of his race to become a US Secretary of State. And even before his term as a US secretary of state, his various military achievements already reflected his prowess.

Even as a young boy, he already was a fighter-from his genius and appealing charm. In the army, he was given due honor that would not have been given to any other Black American soldiers. And yet he serves as an inspiration for them. Charisma and humility.

He was promoted to major and colonel. As a soldier, Colin Luther Powell fought for America during the Vietnam War, until his rank rose to the level of a general through an ‘affirmative action' - not through active combat duty. The youngest general ever in the army at age 42.

Later, he became President Ronald Reagan's national security adviser. And then under President George Bush, Colin Powell, became chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff during the first Gulf War, leading the US military army to victory.

But things had to move on for him. He retired as a joint chief of staff and then in 1995 he wrote and published his autobiography "My American Journey." Also by this time, he was a lecturer, but not until the year 2001 when George W. Bush, without any doubts, appointed General Colin Powell as Secretary of State, serving for four years until 2005.

During his affiliation with the administration, he exhibited a risky attitude instead of the usual conservative. But all the same for the better good of America. That is how courageous and passionate Colin Powell was for his job. He was a diplomat rising to authority. Nothing would seem to get in his way other than his own conviction. He was a smarts bearing arms.