Crawford, TX - President-elect George W. Bush today named former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell as his Secretary of State. General Powell, who oversaw the United States military during Operation Desert Storm, has prior Cabinet experience having served as National Security Advisor under President Reagan.

"General Powell is tremendously respected both here in the United States and around the globe," said President-elect George W. Bush. "His leadership and experience will be great assets at the State Department and he will be an integral part of my Administration."

General Powell is a decorated veteran of the United States Army. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and earned a Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart. During the Carter Administration, he served as executive assistant in both the Energy and Defense Departments. Prior to serving as President Reagan's National Security Adviser, General Powell served as senior military
assistant to Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1993.

In 1997, General Powell helped found America's Promise, an organization dedicated to building the character and competence of the nation's youth. He currently serves as chairman of the organization, as well as serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of Howard University, and of the Board of Directors of United Negro College Fund.  

*Biography of General Colin Powell:
America's Promise