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unknowntoyou2205 · 1 year

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In which the Inevitable becomes reality pt 1/3

Info: The youngest Reagan has always been protected from the crimes that her family faced, but sometimes being away from it is inevitable

Relationship: Reagan family x reagan reader

Warning: Mentions of school shooting

Series masterlist

Based on early season

25 year old y/n Reagan was the youngest of Commissioner Frank Reagans kids. Being the youngest her family cared for her deeply. Her life was slightly different than those of her family, being a high school teacher was something she always wanted to do. The family line of cops and army life never appealed to her, so like her sister she steered clear of that workforce. She remembered her beloved deceased brother Joe letting her hold his unloaded gun, and she hated the feel of it. She didn't like the thought of having t put a bullet into someone, even when it was to protect someone else. Y/n thought PE and Biology as well as coached the girls baseball team (one she fought for when she first joined the school) every Wednesday afterschool.

She was closest with her gramps, they often played chess together and many a night Frank would come home from work and see his father and daughter sitting in the living room watching friends ( though if anyone asked Henry would strongly deny it). Her pops often joined her for the coaching sessions before heading back to his where he would cook dinner before she left back to hers.

She was the younger sister that Linda always wished for, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see y/n helping her sister in law around the house or cooking, and Linda always made sure to make time to help y/n get her class room ready for the school year.

Y/n was quiet compared to her older siblings, and because of that Danny had always been overprotective of her. He didn't like her being around cases the family worked on, and often kept her away from the conversations if she could, making dinner conversations of cases short when she was present. Many a time he would meet her for coffee during the week, or bring her some lunch when he had a case that reminded him of her. He made sure that y/n would always text when she was home if she was out late or if a criminal was on the lose.

Jamie had made it a habit to sit down and have drinks with her after a tough day. Despite being there to help her brother, y/n was never told of his day and what lead to him becoming so stressed, which frustrated her but she accepted it none the less.

Being the only two girls of a family of boys, Erin and y/n often spent Sundays doing something together before church and family dinner. Their schedule prevented them from spending much time together so when they could, they would leave for a week, Nikki joining them, and head somewhere they hadn't been before to explore.

Her family always looked after her, and father was no exception. Frank always made sure to check up on her, regardless on what went on that day. He knew the school shootings happening in America effected her, and wanted to make sure that she knew she was safe and nothing would happen to her. He even went so far to make sure that the Reagan family saying 'please don't hurt my family' was drilled in her head. She was well protected and always had someone watching her back.

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The Reagan family at at the dinner table at Henry and Franks for their weekly Sunday family dinner after church. Y/n sat beside her dad and Erin, picking at her food as she half listened to her family talking about the recent increase of school shootings around the town. Too focused in her own thoughts, she jumped when she was elbowed before glaring at Erin in annoyance.

"Oww, what?" Y/n snapped at her sister before whipping her head to face her dad as he raised a finger in warning.

"Gramps was asking what's wrong with you, your not eating much." Erin stated, tilting her head to the side slightly.

"Sorry Gramps, just thoughts spiraling around my head. Classes have been busy with assessments and we had a practice session today." Y/n explained, watching as her family turned their attention to her, Danny eyeing her with slight concern.

"Teachers have a busy schedule? I always thought they just gave us work and went home to rest." Sean stated causing y/n to laugh slightly.

"Well if you consider grading papers, correcting homework, teaching kids new material, planning classes and making sure that you are all ready for the real world easy, than yeah it's a job for lots of rest." Y/n explained causing Jack to laugh at his brother playfully.

"But compared to dads job it's easy right?" Sean asked, looking towards his aunt.

"Every job is difficult in it's own way Sean, no one has an easier job than anyone else. It may seem like it to you but I'm sure dealing with kids on the daily ain't easy. I mean I only have you and Jack and sometimes I struggle with it." Linda explained to her son.

"So you don't just rest?" Sean asked, second guessing everything he thought.

"God I wish." Y/n stated, stabbing her meat and taking a bite as everyone laughed at her reaction.

"As opposed to your very busy schedule. Everything will work out in the end y/n, your a great teacher and those kids are lucky to have you as their mentor through life." Frank stated, putting a hand on his youngest daughters shoulder as she chuckled lightly.

"Mentor through life, way to be dramatic dad." y/n laughed, taking her glass of wine and taking a sip.

"You seem to forget he's commissioner of police y/n, dramatic is in the job description." Jamie stated and everyone laughed once again.

Y/n shook her head as she laughed with her family, glad to have them around her. She glanced in front of her to see Danny looking at her with a small smile. He winked at her in assurance before taking a bite of his food, and y/n smiled at him before looking down at her plate o continue her own food. Grabbing her glass of wine, she smirked at her pops when he mentioned about needing a rematch on the chess game they had played last week.

"Didn't y/n win that one?" Nikki asked, smirking at y/n who nodded her head in appreciation.

"Nah, I was going easy on her." Henry stated, taking a drink from his own glass.

"Nah, your gramps is just a sore loser, I won fair and square right Jack." Y/n asked, glancing at the boy who had watched their game.

"Right." Jack nodded causing everyone to laugh once again.

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The following day y/n was teaching her regular PE class, and she watched the group of students as they started to run laps of the court. Hearing footsteps outside the door, she folded her arms and turned her head to the sound. Deciding to check it our, she made her way over to the door, ready to give out to students ditching class, only to see no one. Squinting her eyes in confusion, Ms. Reagan made her way back into the hall, clapping her hands to gain the students attention.

"Alright guys, grab some balls and were gonna do volleyball. One on one." She announced, grabbing the net full of soft balls before placing it in the middle of the floor, allowing students to grab them and pair up. "The rules are...."

Y/n was interrupted by an echoing bang being heard, causing the students to look around the hall. Hearing it again, closer than before, the students flinch at the sound. Y/n's eyes widened as she realized the sound, the sound of a gun. She looked around the hall before seeing the storage unit, knowing it wasn't exactly spacious but she needed to figure out something before the person responsible for the shots found them. They couldn't stay in the hall it was way too open.

"Alright, everyone be calm, we need to find somewhere to hide, no need to panic, just follow me into the storage unit, keep your heads low, does everyone understand me." Y/n explained slowly, indicating for everyone to crouch down, "Treat it like the ones we practiced. Hid behind anything in there, I will lock and block the door once everyone is in there, it's going to be a tight squeeze but make it work."

Y/n watched the students eyes widen in fear as they realized what was happening. Shushing the students who whimpered, and knowing they didn't have much time to waste, she began pushing students towards the unit. Students began to follow each other and y/n ran towards the door to lock it and grabbed the bag which had held the balls to make it more difficult for the shooter to determine people were present.

Upon making it to the unit she locked the door and ordered students to grab some of the ridiculously heavy gym mats to barricade it, blocking the windows that would risk exposure. She sighed deeply and watched students huddle close to their friends, sliding down the mats to be close to the door.

"Okay guys, I know you have phones on you. I need you to contact those who need to know what's going on and put them on silent. Do not tell anyone where you are hiding, we do not know who or where they are, but they may have someone's phone or be able to track our phones, understood." Y/n whispered sternly, trying to keep everyone, and herself, calm.

Y/n grabbed the laptop left at the side of the storage unit for emergencies and checked to see if any emails was out about what was going on. She knew it was only a matter of time till one, or both, f her brothers would catch wind of what was going on and would make their way to aid, her father would no doubt follow. She just needed to keep her students safe and sane until help arrived.

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Danny sat at his desk as he worked on some paperwork with Jackie after finishing another case. Turning to his computer he began to look at some evidence from labs when something came over the radio.

"School shooting in operation, Location: Local high school, All units available please respond. Armed forces are required." A dispatcher announced causing Danny's eyes to widen in shock before jumping up.

"Danny, what's up?." Jackie asked, concerned for her partners sudden movement as she also got up.

"Y/n teaches there." He responded, grabbing his gun and putting it in it's holster and clipping his badge in a rush before taking his car keys.

"That's where y/n teaches?" Jackie asked, also getting up and grabbing her gun and badge.

"Yep, now let's go." Danny ordered, before rushing out of the office, Jackie rushing to keep up with him.

"Detective Curatola and Detective Reagan on route to shooting." Jackie reported back to dispatch as she got in the car just in time for Danny to speed off, sirens blaring.

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Jamie and officer Renzulli sat in their patrol car, watching the city in the corner while eating their lunch. Jamie bit into his sandwich as he listened to his mentor explain his recent dilemma with his wife before stopping as they heard the car radio cackle to life.

"All available units please respond. School shooting in operation, Location: local high school. Armed forces are required."

"Shit." Jamie cursed, pushing his lunch onto the floor , not caring where it went as he heard the school name.

"What's the stress for Reagan, call us in." Officer Renzulli stated, pointing at the radio as he started the car.

"Officer Reagan and Officer Renzulli available on route." Jamie called into the radio before putting on the sirens and answering his mentors question "My sister works there."

"Erin, isn't she a lawyer."

"No my other sister y/n. Can't we go any faster." Jamie asked, agitated to get there.

"I'm going, I'm going. Don't worry I'm sure she'll be in a safe place, don't schools to training for these type of things."

"Yeah, but you and I both know training is nothing like an actual scenario." Jamie explained, not in the mood to be talking.

"True that." Renzulli agreed, realizing Jamie didn't want to talk any more.

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Frank sat in his office, currently in his latest monthly meeting with the fire commissioner. He loved being commissioner but sometimes these meetings seemed to drag on. He sighed and rubbed his forehead in frustration before his office door opened and Baker came through.

"Baker." Frank stated, looking up at his receptionist.

"Sorry commissioner, emergency within the police districts, dispatch has been asking for any available units to respond to the situation. Said armed forces were required for a school shooting." Baker relayed information to her boss who watched her in thought.

"Oh God." The fire commissioner swore under his breath causing Frank to glance his way before returning his gaze to Baker.

"What school?" He asked, trying to hide the lump formed in his throat."

"The local high school sir." Baker replied, watching as the commissioner took a deep breath and look down, head in his hands.

"Baker, call for a car. I don't need a driver, just the car." Frank ordered softly as he refused to look at anyone.

"Sir?" The woman asked confused, " You can't go, commissioners don't respond to shootings."

"Baker I didn't ask for your input I asked for a car. I need to get there and I don't care how, just find a way." Frank stated sternly, looking ahead of him.

"But sir."

"Baker, my daughter works there and I need to be there to see what's happening, so get me a car and tell them that the commissioner is on his way." Frank ordered, standing up and putting his hands on the table in front of him, looking at her finally.

"Right away sir." Baker responded, knowing no Reagan would take no when it's family involved.

"I'm sorry commissioner but we will need to postpone this meeting." Frank stated, looking at his fellow commissioner as he opened the drawer which contained his gun and badge.

"Don't sweat it sir, I pray for your daughters safety."

"Thank you."

Frank nodded is head at his fellow commissioner and left the office. He sighed in sorrow as thought of his youngest daughter being held hostage in school with a bunch of students under her protection and opted to text her 'y/n, be calm, you will be okay, we will get you and the students out safe'. As the car arrived for him he got into the back before it came to full halt and sat impatiently as they made their way to the scene.

#blue bloods #reagan daughter #reagan sister #danny reagan #jamie reagan #erin reagan #linda reagan #frank reagan

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luvforemikai · 1 year

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The price of life

Jamie Reagan x daughter!reader

summary - when you get shot by an ex cop, you feel guilty for the justice that was brought on him

warnings - mentions of murder, blood, shooting, and guns. this is somewhat based of off season 1 episode 15 so you'll most likely understand it better if you watch the episode. Though most factors arent included in the episode and likewise. And if you see me put their names in front of quotes thats so you dont get confused.

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"Whats the next question" your grandpa Frank asks. You and frank are at the park eating hotdogs while you're doing a school presentation on him and his job. "Do you regret some things that have happened on the job?" You say. Pretty hesitant because you might've already known the answer to that, considering what happened to your uncle Joe. Frank takes a deep breath to gather his thoughts while staring off into space. "I have a few. When you sign up to do the things i do. Along with your dad jamie and uncle danny, some things take a toll on you. Mentally. Physically." You look down, trying to avoid the uncomfortable eye contact.. "There are things i regret i admit that. But i dont regret anything that has brought you guys into my life", he says while lifting your chin and smiling. You plaster a sad but meaningful smile on your face. "What else you got for me kid." Frank says while taking a bite out of his fry. You chuckle and look at your paper.

"So, how was i? Too detailed? Not enough details?" Frank asks while walking you to your apartment complex. Jamie had just gotten home. Its nearly dark out when you hear tires screech on the road. "You were percectly fi-" you're cut off by frank taking you to the ground, and sound of gunshots, and a burning feeling in your chest and leg. The dark SUV drifted off before you could process what happened. "Are you okay??" Frank asks while his security team asks the same of him. "Yeah" you faintly whisper with a rasp in your voice. Franks face is plain until he looks at your chest. You look down too and see blood pooling. Frank takes his hands and puts them on your wound making you flinch and groan. "You're gonna be okay y/n, just listen to the sound of my voice", is all you hear while your vision gets blurred and you slowly lose consciousness.

You wake up in the hospital with all the reagans surrounding you. "Y/n". Jamie says your name as he's sitting on a chair beside your hospital bed. You groan as you try to shift positions. "Agh, what happened". Jamie puts a hand on your shoulder "just lay down, relax." "You were shot y/n. In the chest and leg." Danny says. Linda is beside you too, rubbing your arm. She's always been like a mother to you so it was actually quite comforting, which was her initial goal. "We're gonna find who did this to you, i promise" frank says while reaching into his coat pocket to make some calls. He walks out of the room and starts talking to somebody on the phone. "Let me know if you need anything, and i mean anything".."thank you aunt erin" you say while weakly smiling. Your father, Jamie, kisses you on the forehead and leaves the room.

Its been 2 weeks and you're finally getting discharged. Feeling nothing but relief to sleep in your own bed again, eating seasoned foods that aren't bland. You order your dad to stop by the market to get you some jell-o. You've became addicted to it in the hospital and craved more. He agreed after you used your crippled status as a defeating moment. "Take it easy okay?" Jamie says as you make your way on the wheelchair. "I'll be fine I swear.". As you leave the hospital you can sense theres more than your additional family member outside waiting for you, and you were right. Frank ordered officers to 1, take you home and 2, stand gaurd outside of your apartment building. He'd offered you come stay at his home but you just wanted to lay in your bed. Jamie helped you into the back of the car. Your cast on your leg making it extra hard. He hands you your crutches and goes into the driver seat, telling frank we'll be just fine without the escort home.

You arrive home and eddie janko is there. You're crutches are giving you a hard time so she made it easier for you and met you half way. "Hiiii!!!" You say excited. Eddie was like another mother to you so seeing her after what happened instantly made you 1000x better. "Aww i heard about what happened, are you okayy".."yeah i will be. Thank you for coming though I've been wanting to see you" you say while smiling ear to ear, happy your second favorite person in the world is there with you. "Anything for you".."Cmon sweetie lets go inside" jamie says, worried your arms might give out relying on those crutches. You make it up the elevator to your home and head straight for the stairs. You freeze and stare at them in defeat. "Uh dad".."yeah?" He says while closing and locking the door. "Can i get some help". He looks at you and starts to laugh under his breath at the fact that you completely forgot you had stairs. He lifts you up bridal style and takes you up to your room.

Its sunday and you're getting ready for sunday dinner over franks place. You're trying to put on some pants and slide them over your cast but you're having a hell of a hard time. Eddie knocks on your door. "You need help with that?".."yes. Please. Im getting hot and stressed" while you let out a tired chuckle. "Ive had so many casts this is like muscle memory for me." Eddie says while kneeling and smiling. "Thank you for being here. I really appreciate it. Im glad my dad doesnt have to help me all by himself."..."of course. And i want you to know im not just doing this for your dad im doing it for you too. You both need a break it looks like"..."yeah you got that right" you say while laughing and eddie joins in. "Hey you guys ready to go?" Jamie walks in with your shoes and crutches. "Yeah dad lets go".

You arrive at franks place and is greeted like a lost puppy. You dont know how to feel about it but you were just shot twice so you let it slide for now. You guys are sitting at the table eating when your uncle danny mentions the person who shot you. Danny - "well, thank God the person who shot you is no longer in the streets" Y/n - "you guys arrested him? Why did nobody tell me?" You say while smiling. Danny - "well... we didnt exactly arrest him" y/n - "what do you mean?... you killed him?" Danny - "we seen the shot and took it y/n." Y/n - "right but why." Henry - "y/n he shot you. Did you expect them to just let him live" y/n - "no but it was the right thing to do!" You say while your voice shakes and cracks. Danny - "he shot you y/n!! And who knows who else he was thinkin about killing! Mind you, you arent the only one in new york he could've had his eyes on!" Y/n - "Yeah! I know that but you dont go around killing people in my name! I lived! And his life doesnt substitute for mine even if i didnt!!" You yell and grab your crutches to walk out. "Y/n!" Jamie yells after you while you leave to go sit in the living room. "She's right ya know" frank says as he takes a spoonfull of food in his mouth.

You refuse to talk to anyone and tell jamie to take you home. He does as he's asked to prevent any other arguing.

You're sitting in bed, blaming yourself for your shooters death when jamie comes in with the rest of your dinner you left. "Thank you" you smile and take the plate and spoon. Jamie sits next to you and put his arm around you. "Its not your fault you know"..."how"..."your uncle danny made a decision. Maybe that decision wasn't his to make but he made it. And he got a killer off the streets because of it. We didn't tell you this but, that guy, he was a killer. He took people away from their families. Mothers, fathers, daughters. People like that have no humanity. No guilt. No respect. Uncle danny made the decision that one life would save hundreds more. The life of the victims, the life of the cops who work the case, and the life of the families. Maybe it was the right decision maybe it wasn't. Who are we to decide that. But one thing i do know is that this is not your fault and it will never be your fault. Its his for putting a price on life.". You nod and look up at him. "Thank you dad" while he kisses your forehead. He takes a spoon of your food and eats it. "This is really good". You both laugh and look at eachother while he rests his head on the top of yours. "I love you y/n" "i love you too"

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I redid the end 3 times. Hope it was worth it.

#blue bloods #danny reagan #jamie reagan #eddie janko #frank reagan #henry reagan #erin reagan #linda reagan #y/n #jamie x daughter!reader

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ao3feed-chicagofire · 1 year

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no retreat , no surrender

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/Q5Vt0mn

by scarstoyourupgess

when two car bombs explode in two parks in two different cities in the same hour , four teams will have to combine forces to protect the people they took an oath to and prevent any more tragedies from happening.

Words: 1032, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Blue Bloods (TV), Chicago PD (TV), Chicago Fire, FBI (TV 2018)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: Multi

Characters: Edit "Eddie" Janko, Luis Badillo, Jamie Reagen, Danny Reagen, Maria Baez, Erin Reagan-Boyle, Anthony Abetemarco, Frank Reagan, Garrett Moore, Sidney "Sid" Gormley, Abigail Baker, Linda Reagen, Jay Halstead, Hailey Upton, Kim Burgess, Adam Ruzek, Kevin Atwater, Dante Torres, Trudy Platt, Hank Voight, Samantha Miller, Kelly Severide, Stella Kidd, Wallace Boden, Wendy Seager, Tom Van Meter, Isobel Castille, Jubal Valentine, Rina Trenholm, Maggie Bell, OA Zidan, Tiffany Wallace, Stuart Scola

Relationships: Edit "Eddie" Janko/Jamie Reagan, Danny Reagen/Jay Halstead, Jay Halstead/Hailey Upton, Kim Burgess/Adam Ruzek, Hailey Upton & OA Zidan, Maggie Bell & OA Zidan, Stuart Scola/Tiffany Wallace

Additional Tags: Bombs, Explosions, The Windy City meets The Big Apple

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/Q5Vt0mn

#chicago fire #chicago fire fanfic #ao3feed #fanfic

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javatpoint · 1 year

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Colin Powell Biography

A renowned American statesman and former four-star general in the American Army; Colin Luther Powell, and also was the first African American to hold the position was. He was the first and only African American to join the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

After his retirement, Powell kept up his political commentary and attacked the Bush administration in several ways. Powell entered centrist Senate Republicans in September 2006 in backing enhancing the rights and care of captives at the Guantanamo detention facility. When Powell endorsed Barack Obama for president in October 2008, the news media took notice.

Powell spent a considerable chunk of his retirement working in the business world. To help customers better manage their health, Revolution Health, a social network & wellness portal site launched by Steve Case, now has him on its board of directors. He & former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani both gave speeches in 2006 as a part of a special Get Motivated series.

Adolescence and Education

Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants Luther & Maud, was born on 5 April 1937 in Harlem, New York. He was raised and born in the South Bronx, where he also received his education in public schools. His future remained unclear as he left Morris High School in 1954 with his diploma. Before discovering his calling, Powell studied geology at City College of New York and enlisted in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). He quickly assumed control of his team. This experience helped him organize and focus, which motivated him to seek a military career.

Marriage & Graduation

Powell joined the American Army as a 2nd lieutenant in 1958, the year he received his degree. Alma Vivian Johnson, an Alabama native from Birmingham, fell in love with Colin Powell while the two were serving together at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. The couple married in 1962. There are three kids in the family: Linda, Annemarie, and son Michael.

Early military Accomplishments and Experience

He was among the 16,000 advisors sent to South Vietnam in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. Powell was injured in 1963 while inspecting the Laos-Vietnam border by a punji stick booby trap. During his initial tour of service, he received a Purple Heart, and the next year, a Bronze Star. During his second duty station in Vietnam between 1968 to 1969, the 31-year-old Military major was tasked with investigating the My Lai atrocity.

And over 300 civilians were killed in this incident by U.S. Army forces. Powell's evaluation, which appeared to refute the claims of misbehavior, stated that "Relations among American soldiers & also the Vietnamese civilians are great." Powell also had injuries while fighting in Vietnam as a result of a helicopter mishap. Powell has received 11 military honors, among them the Legion de Merit.

National Security Advisor

While in the nation for his summit meetings with Soviet President Gorbachev & his plans to topple Nicaragua's Pro-Communist Sandinista government, Reagan coordinated technical & policy experts. It was found that the government had arranged for the secret shipment of American weaponry to Iran in violation of international law in compensation for the release of the hostages. The money raised from the sale of the arms would go toward putting down the Sandinista government overthrow attempt in Nicaragua. Such assistance has been forbidden by Congress since 1982. Powell declined the opportunity to appear before Congress but was exonerated of any wrongdoing in connection with the incident.

Joint Chiefs de Staff commanders

In the history of the Department of Defense, Powell has been the first African American man to hold the highest military job. Throughout the Iraqi campaigns Desert Shield & Desert Storm, General Powell gained widespread recognition in the country. While serving as the leading military strategist, he developed the "Powell Doctrine," a method for conducting military engagements that made use of overwhelming force to enhance success & reduce casualties. Throughout the initial months of the Clinton presidency, he remained the Joint Chiefs of Staff's chairman.

Death

He passed away on Oct 18, 2021, as a result of COVID-19 issues. When he passed away, he aged 84 years old. At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he received all of his vaccines and medical attention.

#colin powell quotes #colin powel books #colin powell #colin powel biography #colin powell net worth

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bfpnola · 2 years

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Tap for better quality. Reintroducing the official Better Future Program Tumblr blog!

Social Media: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Common Tags: #resources (PDFs, videos, etc. found through Tumblr), #reaux speaks (personal thoughts, surveys, & announcements), #reaux answers (Q&A), and #mutual aid

*Trigger Warnings are written as #tw [insert here]

Image Description Below

All images have a rainbow, pastel gradient as a background. Each has a black iPhone in the center with notifications as the main text.

The first image looks like an iPhone pastel gradient lockscreen with the time set at 3:33 and the date as Friday, March 11. One large notification is at the center of the iPhone, reading "Reintroducing" at the top left corner, "2m ago" at the top right corner, and "Good afternoon! Welcome to the official Better Future Program Tumblr blog. We're an entirely youth-run organization! Wanna learn more?" in the middle. The options to tap are "Sure!" and "Of course!"

All following images are an iPhone Notification Center with a pastel gradient lockscreen behind it. The notifications read as follows:

"Our Location: Founded by Reagan Peters-Roussell (she/they), BFP is headquartered in Bulbancha on Chahta Yakni and Chitimacha land, often referred to as New Orleans, Louisiana. Our volunteers can be found throughout Canada, the U.K., Sweden, Indonesia, India, and many other places!"

"Our Mission: Our mission is to build a better and brighter global future for marginalized youth through education, awareness, and unity."

"Our Inspiration: We thank ACLU, Critical Resistance, Black Lives Matter, and Linda Sarsour for their work!"

"Our Core Values: BFP promotes accessibility, unity, honesty, and gratitude on all of our platforms. This is a strictly pro-BIPOC, pro-queer, pro-trans, pro-disability organization. If there is ever a way we can provide further support to your community, let us know!"

"Our Beliefs: BFP believes in supporting Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, Free Palestine, Land Back, anti-capitalism, intersectional environmentalism, police and prison abolition, and all other liberatory movements for the proletariat!" There is a brown Black Power fist next to this notification.

"Our Work: Through our blogs on Instagram and Tumblr, we post breakdowns of activist-related content, ranging from current news to political and economic theories to definitions and so much more to come!"

"Our Liberation Library: We also offer over 3,000 free social justice, mental health, and academic resources for anyone to access! This includes novels, movies, revolutionary interviews, videos, etc."

"Our Workshops & Contests: As long as COVID-19 infection rates continue to decline, BFP plans to host in-person workshops and contests again!"

"Our Mutual Aid Network: Check our Instagram story & Tumblr blog @bfpnola for folks in need of donations!"

"Our Team: BFP is made up of an Administrative Staff, an Advocacy Committee, a Resources Committee, and General Volunteers, all marginalized youth across the globe."

"How to Support Us: Please share this reintroduction post with your friends and fellow activists! Be sure to check @bfpnola on IG & Tumblr, as well as BetterFutureProgram.org for updates too!"

The final image is on the same rainbow, pastel gradient background. There is a laptop in the center, showcasing the official Better Future Program website. In white text above and below the laptop, the image reads, "BetterFutureProgram.org for more!" with a cursor clicking on the text and "Turn notifications on @bfpnola!" with a little bell emoji to the left.

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ao3feed-buckybarnes · 3 years

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The Stick-Together Families

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2XNF0UR

by GrimmLegacy (GalahadsGurl), PackGirl (Caitriona_3)

What does it mean to stick together? It means remaining united or mutually loyal. Throughout history, healthy families that stick together have a better chance of survival for the individual members of the family. Being united always has advantages over playing alone. It's difficult to break teams or people who stick together.

The Grimms know this truth . . . and they are the living embodiment of it.

Words: 18, Chapters: 1/26, Language: English

Series: Part 48 of Complicated: The Epic Grimm Family Saga

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mission: Impossible (Movies), Nikita (TV 2010), S.W.A.T. (2003), Captain America (Movies), The Avengers (Marvel Movies), The Unusuals, Bourne (Movies), Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Blue Bloods (TV), 28 Weeks Later (2007), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys Super Mysteries - Franklin W. Dixon & Carolyn Keene, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015), The Musketeers (2014), Transformers (Bay Movies), Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Multi

Characters: Viktoriya Dubrovskaya, Phil Coulson, Doyle (28 Weeks Later), William Lennox, Cassian Andor, Brian Gamble, Jim Street, Veronika Belinskaya, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Maria Hill, Betty Ross, Joseph Reagan, Hansel (Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters), Joe Hardy, Frank Hardy, Jason Walsh, Kowalski, Clint Barton, James "Bucky" Barnes, Marina Petrovka, William Brandt, Owen Elliot | Sam Matthews, Tammy Harris, Andy Harris, Illya Kuryakin, Napoleon Solo, Gaby Teller, Porthos du Vallon, Aramis | René d'Herblay, Aileen Perron, David Perron, Denise Perron, Zach Perron, Killian Perron, Abigail | Melissa Baker, Frank Reagan, Danny Reagan, Linda Reagan, Jack Reagan, Sean Reagan, Nicky Reagan-Boyle, Erin Reagan-Boyle, Henry Reagan, Catherine Chandler, Nancy Drew, Annabelle Lennox, Sarah Lennox (Transformers)

Relationships: Phil Coulson/Original Female Character(s), Sarah Lennox/William Lennox, Brian Gamble/Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Jim Street/Original Female Character(s), Hansel (Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters)/Maria Hill, Joseph Reagan/Betty Ross, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton, William Brandt/Owen Elliot/Marina Petrovka, Illya Kuryakin/Napoleon Solo/Gaby Teller, Porthos du Vallon/Aileen Perron, Viktoriya Dubrovskaya/Phil Coulson, Jim Street/Veronika Belinskaya, David Perron/Denise Perron

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe, Multiple Crossovers, Crossovers & Fandom Fusions

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2XNF0UR

#bucky #IFTTT #ao3feed #fanfic #bucky barnes #james barnes #the winter soldier #james barnes

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fandom-imagines-stories · 5 years

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The Color of a Bruise Part Two

Danny Reagan x Daughter! Reader

Words: 1954

Part One

Summary: After an awkward Sunday dinner, Danny begins to suspect that his daughter's new boyfriend may have violent tendencies. You desperately try to solve the situation on your own, but everything just spirals out of control. The entire family is called to arms.

Notes: This part is going to be more intense than the last one. I just felt like I could include more having it split into two parts. Please let me know what you guys think!

Warnings: Abuse, emotional and physical. Mentions of assault. Again, if you’re uncomfortable always feel free to skip. Also spoilers for those of you not passed season seven.

Danny slowly opened the door to the roof, hearing shouts and shuffling feet on the other side. He held up his gun in front of him, slowly peeking around the corner to see you and the man he assumed attacked you in the alley at lunch.

“Zach, you don’t have to do this. We can work this-” He hit you before you could finish. You’d been trying to talk him down for the past half hour and nothing seemed to be working.

“You’ve made it very clear that there is no working this out!” He waved his gun around and stepped back, trying to stay away from the edge of the roof.

“Zach, please-” You started when you saw the shimmer of a police badge in the setting sun. Zach started to follow your gaze, but you put a hand on his cheek. “Let’s just talk about this.” He pushed you away from him, aiming the weapon at your face. He turned his head just enough to see the badge as well and ran, yanking you up by the arm with him.

“Shit,” Danny muttered, coming out from his hiding spot. “Police! Drop your weapon.” Jamie and Eddie came out from around the corner as well, Jamie brandishing his own weapon.

“You called your dad!” Zach screamed furiously, his grip on your arm bone-crushingly tight.

“Let her go,” Danny growled, chasing after the two of you until Zach climbed up on top of the ledge, taking you with him. He kept you in front of him, using you as a shield.

“Stay back, or I’ll blow her brains out before we even hit the pavement.” He moved his arm to wrap it around your neck in a chokehold, keeping the gun against your temple. You couldn’t stand to look at the fear and panic in your father’s eyes.

“You don’t have to do this,” Jamie started, keeping as calm as possible. “Zach, was it? Zach, we can find someone who can help you."

“Y/N told me about you,” Zach hissed. “You’re the one who always makes people trust you before you arrest them.” He turned his fiery gaze to Eddie. “If your bitch had just minded her own business, none of this would have happened!” Jamie tensed but was able to keep as calm as possible. One wrong move and his niece plummeted to the sidewalk below. Danny, on the other hand, kept his eyes fixed on his daughter and his gun on the son of a bitch who thought he could get away with hurting a Reagan.

“It’s over, Zach!” Danny shouted. “Just come down from the ledge and let Y/N go.”

“Don’t make this worse for yourself,” Jamie added, cautiously moving to Danny’s side.

“Shut up!” Zach switched his aim to your father and your already racing heart dropped.

“Zach, wait.” You begged, carefully shifting so you could look him in the eye. “You were right. We’re meant to be. I just couldn’t see it until now.” You gently put your hand on his cheek. “I’ll go with you.” His expression softened.

“You will?” He kept his weapon up, but his guard was down. You nodded and did you best to fake a smile.

“Of course, I love you.” Your voice trembled. This had to work. “You just have to promise me something, okay?” He switched his gaze between you and your dad, but he was starting to calm down.

“Anything.” You almost felt bad for him. You took a deep breath and looked at your father.

“Please don’t hurt my family.”

Acting quickly, you shoved away from Zach, the gunshot ringing in your ears. You fell onto the hard cement of the roof, feeling the sharp crack of your wrist. Zach’s blank eyes stared at you and you watched his body fall, crashing somewhere on the pavement below. Danny was beside you before you could even cry out.

Jamie called for a bus while your father checked your arm to assess the damage.

“I’m sorry.” You cried, every movement in your arm sending another wave of pain.

“It’s okay,” Your father assured you, taking you in his arms while careful not to hurt you further. “You’re gonna be okay. He’s gone.”

“Do you think she’ll be okay?” Eddie whispered to Jamie, watching Y/N cling to her father. Jamie let out a sigh.

“I don’t know.”

After the doctors put a cast on your wrist, your dad and his partner Detective Baez asked you a couple of questions about your relationship with Zach. You knew he was biding time for some security team to show up. He was never letting you out of his sight again.

“When did your relationship with Zach become abusive?” Your father asked softly. You kept your eyes straight ahead of you, keeping your bruised face as emotionless as possible. You had to keep control.

“About a month ago.” You shifted uncomfortably. “We argued about me hanging out with my friends and he pushed me into a bookshelf.” Danny let out a deep sigh and Baez asked the question no one wanted to hear.

“Is there anything else about Zach’s…” She tried to choose her words carefully. You were like family to her. This was personal. “Abuses, that we should know?” You looked at her and then at your dad, your chin beginning to tremble.

“Please don’t make me tell you.” You begged, your breath catching on a sob. Danny’s heart shattered. Your reaction could only mean one thing. He closed his eyes, feeling Baez’s hand on his shoulder.

“Maybe I should take it from here.” He took a deep breath and opened his eyes, but you couldn’t bring yourself to look at him. He left without another word.

Nearly the entire family was gathered in the waiting area. Jack and Sean sat together by the window while Erin paced back and forth on the phone with Nicky, who was still at school. Jamie was with Eddie, who was being checked for a concussion.

“Is she okay?” Jack leaped out of his chair, his brother quickly following. “What happened? What’s going on?”

“Your sister is going to be fine.” Danny sighed, though he wasn’t even sure he believed it. A broken wrist was nothing compared to the psychological trauma she’d likely carry with her for the rest of her life. Frank stepped out from the corner and put a hand on Danny’s arm.

“She’ll get through this.” He assured him.

“She’s tough,” Hank added. “Just like her dad.” It was meant to be comforting, but it only stung Danny’s heart more. Y/N was too much like him. She bottled up her emotions, thinking she could handle it on her own. If she wasn’t so pig-headed and stubborn like him, she wouldn’t have kept her problems with Zach a secret. Maybe she wouldn’t have been… he didn’t want to think about it. He just wished Linda was here.

Baez came running around the corner, the panic on her face making everyone worry even more.

“She’s gone.” Baez gasped.

“What?” Erin hung up the phone with Nicky and came to Danny’s side.

“I asked the nurse to get her a cup of water and when I turned around she was just gone,” Baez explained. “I’m so sorry Danny.”

“It’s not your fault.” He pushed passed her, sprinting towards the desk. The nurse was taken aback as the whole clan surrounded her, Jamie and Eddie joining them from the other room. “Did Y/N Reagan check out?” The nurse smiled nervously.

“Yes, she just left.” Seeing their shocked expressions, she tried to explain. “Seeing as her injuries had been treated and she is no longer a minor, there was no reason to keep her here.” Danny slammed his hand on the desk, causing the woman to jump.

“It’s like you said, Danny, she couldn’t have gotten far.” Erin tried to calm him down. “We’ll find her.”

“Why would she run off?” Eddie asked, Jamie wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Danny just sighed.

“Because she’s like me.”

The search for Y/N had been going on for a few hours and it would be morning soon. Erin had insisted on going with Danny while the others teamed up to take on different areas she might go. Jack and Sean were waiting at home in case she came back. Erin watched the houses pass, but Danny kept his eye on every movement, every dark shadow catching the headlights. As more houses passed by, Erin saw a bike forgotten in a driveway and finger paintings taped up in windows.

“Danny…” She turned to her brother. “I think I know where she might have gone.”

Soon the siblings were driving through a neighborhood Danny hadn’t seen in over a year, but sure enough, he spotted a hunched over shape sitting on a porch he didn’t recognize. After their house burned down, he never came to see the new one they’d built in its place.

He pulled the car up to the curb and raced out while Erin called the rest of the family to let them know that they had found you.

“Y/N?” He began softly. You perked your head up, the hospital tag sticking out of your sweatshirt sleeve. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I thought if I could just come back here, everything would make sense.” You hissed, angry at yourself for letting your emotional wall crumble. “But everything’s changed.”

“You can’t run out after nearly getting killed!” He was trying to keep his voice down, but he was never good at controlling his temper. And neither were you.

“I thought that I could do this on my own.” You replied, dropping your head into your hands. “First the house… then mom…I thought if I could just control this one part of my life, then I could stop everything from falling apart.” You tried to hold back a sob, but it nearly turned into a scream. A cry for help that nobody was hearing. “I miss her.”

Your father sat down beside you, a tear falling down his cheek as he took your hands in his, making you look up.

“I miss your mom every day.” The sun was starting to peak over the skyline and the owners of the new, unfamiliar house would likely be up soon. “I miss her every time I hear her laugh in yours or see her smile on your lips.” He sucked in a pained breath. “But we can’t close off on each other. You can’t keep secrets like this. Y/N, I almost lost you.” His voice caught in his throat and you laid your head on his shoulder, letting him wrap his arms around you.

“I’m sorry.” Was all you could manage to say.

The sunrise colored the sky and your dad walked you to his car where your aunt Erin greeted you with a gentle hug and a caring smile. The three of you left the neighborhood behind, but looking in the rearview mirror, Danny thought for a moment that he saw the old house, standing clear as day. And even though he couldn’t see her, he knew that Linda was there, watching the car drive off. By the time you reached your grandfather’s house, you’d fallen asleep in the back seat.

Danny smiled to himself, remembering all the times you’d fall asleep before reaching home, muttering about whatever dream you were having.

“Should we wake her up?” Erin wondered. He shook his head.

“Let her rest.” He quietly opened the car door and carried you inside, just like he had all those years ago, though they didn’t seem so far away anymore.

#blue bloods #jamko #danny reagan x daughter reader #danny reagan #donnie wahlberg #Will Estes #reagan

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longlivelindanny · 10 months

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Thinking about all of Taylor Swift’s hand-holding lyrics and how it all (sans Champagne Problems and Ivy) fits with Lindanny

#linda reagan #danny reagan #lindanny #danny and linda #danny x linda #team linda reagan #i remember linda #linda my beloved #team Lindanny #Taylor Swift lyrics #hand holding

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fyeahamycarlson · 8 months

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Enjoy a toothy s1 Linda Reagan

#amy carlson #crazyyy hot🔥🥵#linda reagan #blondie #team linda reagan #linda my beloved #i remember linda #linda reagan supremacy!!#Linda screenshots #s1 #season one #s1 Linda

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camelely · 4 years

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Was this episode a way to make the target audience hate feminists? Thats the only reason I can think of for them to write some of the worst reactions to things....

Like Baez has never heard of a gentlemens club? and is pissed about it even though there are women only organizations... have another reason for her to look into the obviously shady death. She seemed unprofessional and dumb in this episode. Like she was written the way old white men see young feminists...

And Eddie... Why the fuck did she go full freud on Jamie? Shes allowed to be upset but its healthy for both parties in the relationship to remind each other about chores, especially when they have schedules that are so different. And its fine to forget... like her reaction was weird. It felt like a writing team who a) has never been in a healthy relationship and b) has never spoken to anyone who has... Again it felt less like a young person in a marriage and more like a old white man’s view of what marriage has become

And then she makes a point, she genuinely believes at the end about Jamie’s family being finding happiness in independence and Jamie calls her crazy and she accepts it like her concern wan just women being women... And I get her point wasn’t really valid since the only divorcee is Erin who is another woman but she wasn’t part of the family when Linda was around and now that i think about Jamko’s rushed engagement and her inclusion at dinner was probably the producers filling out the table since Linda left and it felt empty. But can’t blame the character of Eddie for that LOL.

Anyway I guess my point is Jamie Reagan, sweet kind and in love Jamie Reagan would not have called her crazy... he would have reassured her that what she was feeling wasnt crazy because he loved her... even if he did call her crazy strong badass and upset Eddie would not have just agreed... she would have flipped out!! Like how dare you call me crazy. I have a concern about our relationship and you pushed it aside.

Blue bloods gets worse and more polarizing every fucking episode...

#blue bloods #blue bloods cbs #eddie janko #jamie reagan #jamko #Danny Reagan #erin reagan #frank reagan #maria baez

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blackkudos · 4 years

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Colin Powell

Colin Luther Powell (born April 5, 1937) is an American politician and retired four-star general in the United States Army. During his military career, Powell also served as National Security Advisor (1987–1989), as Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command (1989) and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993), holding the latter position during the Persian Gulf War. Powell was the first, and so far the only, Jamaican American to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under U.S. President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005, the first black person to serve in that position.

Powell was born in New York City in 1937 and was raised in the South Bronx. His parents, Luther and Maud Powell, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. Powell was educated in the New York City public schools, graduating from the City College of New York (CCNY), where he earned a bachelor's degree in geology. He also participated in ROTC at CCNY and received a commission as an Army second lieutenant upon graduation in June 1958. His further academic achievements include a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University.

Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held many command and staff positions and rose to the rank of 4-star general. His last assignment, from October 1, 1989, to September 30, 1993, was as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. He also formulated the Powell Doctrine.

Following his military retirement, Powell wrote his best-selling autobiography, My American Journey. In addition, he pursued a career as a public speaker, addressing audiences across the country and abroad. Prior to his appointment as Secretary of State, Powell was the chairman of America's Promise – The Alliance for Youth, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing people from every sector of American life to build the character and competence of young people. He was nominated by President Bush on December 16, 2000, as Secretary of State. After being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he was sworn in as the 65th Secretary of State on January 20, 2001.

Powell is the recipient of numerous U.S. and foreign military awards and decorations. Powell's civilian awards include the Presidential Medal of Freedom (twice), the President's Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal. Several schools and other institutions have been named in his honor and he holds honorary degrees from universities and colleges across the country. Powell is married to the former Alma Vivian Johnson of Birmingham, Alabama. The Powell family includes son Michael (ex-chairman of the Federal Communications Commission); daughters Linda and Anne; daughter-in-law Jane; and grandsons Jeffrey and Bryan.

In 2016, while not a candidate for that year's election, Powell received three electoral votes for the office of President of the United States.

Early life and education

Powell was born on April 5, 1937, in Harlem, a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan, to Jamaican immigrants, Maud Arial (née McKoy) and Luther Theophilus Powell. His parents were both of mixed African and Scottish ancestry. Luther worked as a shipping clerk and Maud as a seamstress. Powell was raised in the South Bronx and attended Morris High School, from which he graduated in 1954. (This school has since closed.)

While at school, Powell worked at a local baby furniture store, where he picked up Yiddish from the eastern European Jewish shopkeepers and some of the customers. He also served as a Shabbos goy, helping Orthodox families with needed tasks on the Sabbath. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the City College of New York in 1958 and has said he was a 'C average' student. He later earned an MBA degree from the George Washington University in 1971, after his second tour in Vietnam.

Despite his parents' pronunciation of his name as , Powell has pronounced his name since childhood, after the World War II flyer Colin P. Kelly Jr. Public officials and radio and television reporters have used Powell's preferred pronunciation.

Military career

Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, holding a variety of command and staff positions and rising to the rank of general.

Training

Powell described joining the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) during college as one of the happiest experiences of his life; discovering something he loved and could do well, he felt he had "found himself." According to Powell:

It was only once I was in college, about six months into college when I found something that I liked, and that was ROTC, Reserve Officer Training Corps in the military. And I not only liked it, but I was pretty good at it. That's what you really have to look for in life, something that you like, and something that you think you're pretty good at. And if you can put those two things together, then you're on the right track, and just drive on.

Cadet Powell joined the Pershing Rifles, the ROTC fraternal organization and drill team begun by General John Pershing. Even after he had become a general, Powell kept on his desk a pen set he had won for a drill team competition.

Upon graduation, he received a commission as an Army second lieutenant. After attending basic training at Fort Benning, Powell was assigned to the 48th Infantry, in West Germany, as a platoon leader.

Vietnam War

In his autobiography, Powell said he is haunted by the nightmare of the Vietnam War and felt that the leadership was very ineffective.

Captain Powell served a tour in Vietnam as a South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) advisor from 1962 to 1963. While on patrol in a Viet Cong-held area, he was wounded by stepping on a punji stake. The large infection made it difficult for him to walk, and caused his foot to swell for a short time, shortening his first tour.

Powell returned to Vietnam as a major in 1968, serving as assistant chief of staff of operations for the in the 23rd (Americal) Infantry Division. During the second tour in Vietnam he was decorated with the Soldier's Medal for bravery after he survived a helicopter crash and single-handedly rescued three others, including division commander Major General Charles M. Gettys, from the burning wreckage.

Powell was charged with investigating a detailed letter by 11th Light Infantry Brigade soldier Tom Glen, which backed up rumored allegations of the My Lai Massacre. He wrote: "In direct refutation of this portrayal is the fact that relations between American soldiers and the Vietnamese people are excellent." Later, Powell's assessment would be described as whitewashing the news of the massacre, and questions would continue to remain undisclosed to the public. In May 2004 Powell said to television and radio host Larry King, "I was in a unit that was responsible for My Lai. I got there after My Lai happened. So, in war, these sorts of horrible things happen every now and again, but they are still to be deplored."

After the Vietnam War

Powell served a White House Fellowship under President Richard Nixon from 1972 to 1973. During 1975–1976 he attended the National War College, Washington, D.C.

In his autobiography, My American Journey, Powell named several officers he served under who inspired and mentored him. As a lieutenant colonel serving in South Korea, Powell was very close to General Henry "Gunfighter" Emerson. Powell said he regarded Emerson as one of the most caring officers he ever met. Emerson insisted his troops train at night to fight a possible North Korean attack, and made them repeatedly watch the television film Brian's Song to promote racial harmony. Powell always professed that what set Emerson apart was his great love of his soldiers and concern for their welfare. After a race riot occurred, in which African American soldiers almost killed a White officer, Powell was charged by Emerson to crack down on black militants; Powell's efforts led to the discharge of one soldier, and other efforts to reduce racial tensions. During 1976–1977 he commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.

A "political general"

In the early 1980s, Powell served at Fort Carson, Colorado. After he left Fort Carson, Powell became senior military assistant to Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, whom he assisted during the 1983 invasion of Grenada and the 1986 airstrike on Libya.

In 1986, Powell took over the command of V Corps in Frankfurt, Germany, from Robert Lewis "Sam" Wetzel.

Following the Iran–Contra scandal, Powell became, at the age of 49, Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor, serving from 1987 to 1989 while retaining his Army commission as a lieutenant general.

In April 1989, after his tenure with the National Security Council, Powell was promoted to four-star general under President George H. W. Bush and briefly served as the Commander in Chief, Forces Command (FORSCOM), headquartered at Fort McPherson, Georgia, overseeing all Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard units in the Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. He became the third general since World War II to reach four-star rank without ever serving as a division commander, joining Dwight D. Eisenhower and Alexander Haig.

Later that year, President George H. W. Bush selected him as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Powell's last military assignment, from October 1, 1989, to September 30, 1993, was as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. At age 52, he became the youngest officer, and first Afro-Caribbean American, to serve in this position. Powell was also the first JCS Chair who received his commission through ROTC.

During this time, he oversaw responses to 28 crises, including the invasion of Panama in 1989 to remove General Manuel Noriega from power and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. During these events, Powell earned his nickname, "the reluctant warrior." He rarely advocated military intervention as the first solution to an international crisis, and instead usually prescribed diplomacy and containment.

As a military strategist, Powell advocated an approach to military conflicts that maximizes the potential for success and minimizes casualties. A component of this approach is the use of overwhelming force, which he applied to Operation Desert Storm in 1991. His approach has been dubbed the "Powell Doctrine." Powell continued as chairman of the JCS into the Clinton presidency but as a dedicated "realist" he considered himself a bad fit for an administration largely made up of liberal internationalists. He clashed with then-U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright over the Bosnian crisis, as he opposed any military interventions that didn't involve US interests.

During his chairmanship of the JCS, there was discussion of awarding Powell a fifth star, granting him the rank of General of the Army. But even in the wake of public and Congressional pressure to do so, Clinton-Gore presidential transition team staffers decided against it.

Dates of rankAwards and decorationsBadges

Potential presidential candidate

Powell's experience in military matters made him a very popular figure with both American political parties. Many Democrats admired his moderate stance on military matters, while many Republicans saw him as a great asset associated with the successes of past Republican administrations. Put forth as a potential Democratic Vice Presidential nominee in the 1992 U.S. presidential election or even potentially replacing Vice President Dan Quayle as the Republican Vice Presidential nominee, Powell eventually declared himself a Republican and began to campaign for Republican candidates in 1995. He was touted as a possible opponent of Bill Clinton in the 1996 U.S. presidential election, possibly capitalizing on a split conservative vote in Iowa and even leading New Hampshire polls for the GOP nomination, but Powell declined, citing a lack of passion for politics. Powell defeated Clinton 50–38 in a hypothetical match-up proposed to voters in the exit polls conducted on Election Day. Despite not standing in the race, Powell won the Republican New Hampshire Vice-Presidential primary on write-in votes.

In 1997 Powell founded America's Promise with the objective of helping children from all socioeconomic sectors. That same year saw the establishment of The Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service. The mission of the Center is to "prepare new generations of publicly engaged leaders from populations previously underrepresented in public service and policy circles, to build a strong culture of civic engagement at City College, and to mobilize campus resources to meet pressing community needs and serve the public good."

Powell was mentioned as a potential candidate in the 2000 U.S. presidential election, but again decided against running. Once Texas Governor George W. Bush secured the Republican nomination, Powell endorsed him for president and spoke at the 2000 Republican National Convention. Bush won the general election and appointed Powell as Secretary of State.

In the electoral college vote count of 2016, Powell received three votes for President from faithless electors from Washington.

Secretary of State (2001–2005)

As Secretary of State in the Bush administration, Powell was perceived as moderate. Powell was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. Over the course of his tenure he traveled less than any other U.S. Secretary of State in 30 years.

On September 11, 2001, Powell was in Lima, Peru, meeting with President Alejandro Toledo and US Ambassador John Hamilton, and attending the special session of the OAS General Assembly that subsequently adopted the Inter-American Democratic Charter. After the September 11 attacks, Powell's job became of critical importance in managing America's relationships with foreign countries in order to secure a stable coalition in the War on Terrorism.

Powell came under fire for his role in building the case for the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. In a press statement on February 24, 2001, he had said that sanctions against Iraq had prevented the development of any weapons of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein. As was the case in the days leading up to the Persian Gulf War, Powell was initially opposed to a forcible overthrow of Saddam, preferring to continue a policy of containment. However, Powell eventually agreed to go along with the Bush administration's determination to remove Saddam. He had often clashed with others in the administration, who were reportedly planning an Iraq invasion even before the September 11 attacks, an insight supported by testimony by former terrorism czar Richard Clarke in front of the 9/11 Commission. The main concession Powell wanted before he would offer his full support for the Iraq War was the involvement of the international community in the invasion, as opposed to a unilateral approach. He was also successful in persuading Bush to take the case of Iraq to the United Nations, and in moderating other initiatives. Powell was placed at the forefront of this diplomatic campaign.

Powell's chief role was to garner international support for a multi-national coalition to mount the invasion. To this end, Powell addressed a plenary session of the United Nations Security Council on February 5, 2003, to argue in favor of military action. Citing numerous anonymous Iraqi defectors, Powell asserted that "there can be no doubt that Saddam Hussein has biological weapons and the capability to rapidly produce more, many more." Powell also stated that there was "no doubt in my mind" that Saddam was working to obtain key components to produce nuclear weapons.

Most observers praised Powell's oratorical skills. However, Britain's Channel 4 News reported soon afterwards that a UK intelligence dossier that Powell had referred to as a "fine paper" during his presentation had been based on old material and plagiarized an essay by American graduate student Ibrahim al-Marashi.A 2004 report by the Iraq Survey Group concluded that the evidence that Powell offered to support the allegation that the Iraqi government possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) was inaccurate.

In an interview with Charlie Rose, Powell contended that prior to his UN presentation, he had merely four days to review the data concerning WMD in Iraq.

A Senate report on intelligence failures would later detail the intense debate that went on behind the scenes on what to include in Powell's speech. State Department analysts had found dozens of factual problems in drafts of the speech. Some of the claims were taken out, but others were left in, such as claims based on the yellowcake forgery. The administration came under fire for having acted on faulty intelligence, particularly what was single-sourced to the informant known as Curveball. Powell later recounted how Vice President Dick Cheney had joked with him before he gave the speech, telling him, "You've got high poll ratings; you can afford to lose a few points." Powell's longtime aide-de-camp and Chief of Staff from 1989–2003, Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, later characterized Cheney's view of Powell's mission as to "go up there and sell it, and we'll have moved forward a peg or two. Fall on your damn sword and kill yourself, and I'll be happy, too."

In September 2005, Powell was asked about the speech during an interview with Barbara Walters and responded that it was a "blot" on his record. He went on to say, "It will always be a part of my record. It was painful. It's painful now."

Wilkerson said that he inadvertently participated in a hoax on the American people in preparing Powell's erroneous testimony before the United Nations Security Council.

Because Powell was seen as more moderate than most figures in the administration, he was spared many of the attacks that have been leveled at more controversial advocates of the invasion, such as Donald Rumsfeld and Paul Wolfowitz. At times, infighting among the Powell-led State Department, the Rumsfeld-led Defense Department, and Cheney's office had the effect of polarizing the administration on crucial issues, such as what actions to take regarding Iran and North Korea.

After Saddam Hussein had been deposed, Powell's new role was to once again establish a working international coalition, this time to assist in the rebuilding of post-war Iraq. On September 13, 2004, Powell testified before the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, acknowledging that the sources who provided much of the information in his February 2003 UN presentation were "wrong" and that it was "unlikely" that any stockpiles of WMDs would be found. Claiming that he was unaware that some intelligence officials questioned the information prior to his presentation, Powell pushed for reform in the intelligence community, including the creation of a national intelligence director who would assure that "what one person knew, everyone else knew."

Additionally, Powell has been critical of other aspects of U.S. foreign policy in the past, such as its support for the 1973 Chilean coup d'état. From two separate interviews in 2003, Powell stated in one about the 1973 event "I can't justify or explain the actions and decisions that were made at that time. It was a different time. There was a great deal of concern about communism in this part of the world. Communism was a threat to the democracies in this part of the world. It was a threat to the United States." In another interview, however, he also simply stated "With respect to your earlier comment about Chile in the 1970s and what happened with Mr. Allende, it is not a part of American history that we're proud of."

Powell announced his resignation as Secretary of State on November 15, 2004. According to The Washington Post, he had been asked to resign by the president's chief of staff, Andrew Card. Powell announced that he would stay on until the end of Bush's first term or until his replacement's confirmation by Congress. The following day, Bush nominated National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice as Powell's successor. News of Powell's leaving the Administration spurred mixed reactions from politicians around the world — some upset at the loss of a statesman seen as a moderating factor within the Bush administration, but others hoping for Powell's successor to wield more influence within the cabinet.

In mid-November, Powell stated that he had seen new evidence suggesting that Iran was adapting missiles for a nuclear delivery system. The accusation came at the same time as the settlement of an agreement between Iran, the IAEA, and the European Union.

On December 31, 2004, Powell rang in the New Year by pressing a button in Times Square with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to initiate the ball drop and 60 second countdown, ushering in the year 2005. He appeared on the networks that were broadcasting New Year's Eve specials and talked about this honor, as well as being a native of New York City.

Life after diplomatic service

After retiring from the role of Secretary of State, Powell returned to private life. In April 2005, he was privately telephoned by Republican senators Lincoln Chafee and Chuck Hagel, at which time Powell expressed reservations and mixed reviews about the nomination of John R. Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations, but refrained from advising the senators to oppose Bolton (Powell had clashed with Bolton during Bush's first term). The decision was viewed as potentially dealing significant damage to Bolton's chances of confirmation. Bolton was put into the position via a recess appointment because of the strong opposition in the Senate.

On April 28, 2005, an opinion piece in The Guardian by Sidney Blumenthal (a former top aide to President Bill Clinton) claimed that Powell was in fact "conducting a campaign" against Bolton because of the acrimonious battles they had had while working together, which among other things had resulted in Powell cutting Bolton out of talks with Iran and Libya after complaints about Bolton's involvement from the British. Blumenthal added that "The foreign relations committee has discovered that Bolton made a highly unusual request and gained access to 10 intercepts by the National Security Agency. Staff members on the committee believe that Bolton was probably spying on Powell, his senior advisors and other officials reporting to him on diplomatic initiatives that Bolton opposed."

In July 2005, Powell joined Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers, a well-known Silicon Valley venture capital firm, with the title of "strategic limited partner."

In September 2005, Powell criticized the response to Hurricane Katrina. Powell said that thousands of people were not properly protected, but because they were poor rather than because they were black.

On January 5, 2006, he participated in a meeting at the White House of former Secretaries of Defense and State to discuss United States foreign policy with Bush administration officials. In September 2006, Powell sided with more moderate Senate Republicans in supporting more rights for detainees and opposing President Bush's terrorism bill. He backed Senators John Warner, John McCain and Lindsey Graham in their statement that U.S. military and intelligence personnel in future wars will suffer for abuses committed in 2006 by the U.S. in the name of fighting terrorism. Powell stated that "The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of [America's] fight against terrorism."

Also in 2006, Powell began appearing as a speaker at a series of motivational events called Get Motivated, along with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. In his speeches for the tour, he openly criticized the Bush Administration on a number of issues. Powell has been the recipient of mild criticism for his role with Get Motivated which has been called a "get-rich-quick-without-much-effort, feel-good schemology."

In 2007 he joined the board of directors of Steve Case's new company Revolution Health. Powell also serves on the Council on Foreign Relations Board of directors.

Powell, in honor of Martin Luther King Day, dropped the ceremonial first puck at a New York Islanders ice hockey game at Nassau Coliseum on January 21, 2008. On November 11, 2008, Powell again dropped the puck in recognition of Military Appreciation Day and Veterans Day.

Recently, Powell has encouraged young people to continue to use new technologies to their advantage in the future. In a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies to a room of young professionals, he said, "That's your generation...a generation that is hard-wired digital, a generation that understands the power of the information revolution and how it is transforming the world. A generation that you represent, and you're coming together to share; to debate; to decide; to connect with each other." At this event, he encouraged the next generation to involve themselves politically on the upcoming Next America Project, which uses online debate to provide policy recommendations for the upcoming administration.

In 2008, Powell served as a spokesperson for National Mentoring Month, a campaign held each January to recruit volunteer mentors for at-risk youth.

Soon after Barack Obama's 2008 election, Powell began being mentioned as a possible cabinet member. He was not nominated.

In September 2009, Powell advised President Obama against surging US forces in Afghanistan. The president announced the surge the following December.

On March 14, 2014, Salesforce.com announced that Powell had joined its board of directors.

Political views

A liberal Republican, Powell is well known for his willingness to support liberal or centrist causes. He is pro-choice regarding abortion, and in favor of "reasonable" gun control. He stated in his autobiography that he supports affirmative action that levels the playing field, without giving a leg up to undeserving persons because of racial issues. Powell was also instrumental in the 1993 implementation of the military's don't ask, don't tell policy, though he later supported its repeal as proposed by Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen in January 2010, saying "circumstances had changed."

The Vietnam War had a profound effect on Powell's views of the proper use of military force. These views are described in detail in the autobiography My American Journey. The Powell Doctrine, as the views became known, was a central component of U.S. policy in the Persian Gulf War (the first U.S. war in Iraq) and U.S. invasion of Afghanistan (the overthrow of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks). The hallmark of both operations was strong international cooperation, and the use of overwhelming military force.

Powell was the subject of controversy in 2004 when, in a conversation with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, he reportedly referred to neoconservatives within the Bush administration as "fucking crazies." In addition to being reported in the press (although the expletive was generally censored in the U.S. press), the quotation was used by James Naughtie in his book, The Accidental American: Tony Blair and the Presidency, and by Chris Patten in his book, Cousins and Strangers: America, Britain, and Europe in a New Century.

In a September 2006 letter to Sen. John McCain, General Powell expressed opposition to President Bush's push for military tribunals of those formerly and currently classified as enemy combatants. Specifically, he objected to the effort in Congress to "redefine Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention." He also asserted: "The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism."

Powell endorsed President Obama in 2008 and again in 2012. When asked why he is still a Republican on Meet the Press he said, "I'm still a Republican. And I think the Republican Party needs me more than the Democratic Party needs me. And you can be a Republican and still feel strongly about issues such as immigration, and improving our education system, and doing something about some of the social problems that exist in our society and our country. I don't think there's anything inconsistent with this."

While Powell was wary of a military solution, he supported the decision to invade Iraq after the Bush administration concluded that diplomatic efforts had failed. After his departure from the State Department, Powell repeatedly emphasized his continued support for American involvement in the Iraq War.

At the 2007 Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado, Powell revealed that he had spent two and a half hours explaining to President Bush "the consequences of going into an Arab country and becoming the occupiers." During this discussion, he insisted that the U.S. appeal to the United Nations first, but if diplomacy failed, he would support the invasion: "I also had to say to him that you are the President, you will have to make the ultimate judgment, and if the judgment is this isn't working and we don't think it is going to solve the problem, then if military action is undertaken I'm with you, I support you."

In a 2008 interview on CNN, Powell reiterated his support for the 2003 decision to invade Iraq in the context of his endorsement of Barack Obama, stating: "My role has been very, very straightforward. I wanted to avoid a war. The president [Bush] agreed with me. We tried to do that. We couldn't get it through the U.N. and when the president made the decision, I supported that decision. And I've never blinked from that. I've never said I didn't support a decision to go to war."

Powell's position on the Iraq War troop surge of 2007 has been less consistent. In December 2006, he expressed skepticism that the strategy would work and whether the U.S. military had enough troops to carry it out successfully. He stated: "I am not persuaded that another surge of troops into Baghdad for the purposes of suppressing this communitarian violence, this civil war, will work." Following his endorsement of Barack Obama in October 2008, however, Powell praised General David Petraeus and U.S. troops, as well as the Iraqi government, concluding that "it's starting to turn around." By mid-2009, he had concluded a surge of U.S. forces in Iraq should have come sooner, perhaps in late 2003. Throughout this period, Powell consistently argued that Iraqi political progress was essential, not just military force.

Powell donated the maximum allowable amount to John McCain's campaign in the summer of 2007 and in early 2008, his name was listed as a possible running mate for Republican nominee McCain's bid during the 2008 U.S. presidential election. However, on October 19, 2008, Powell announced his endorsement of Barack Obama during a Meet the Press interview, citing "his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities", in addition to his "style and substance." He additionally referred to Obama as a "transformational figure." Powell further questioned McCain's judgment in appointing Sarah Palin as the vice presidential candidate, stating that despite the fact that she is admired, "now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president." He said that Obama's choice for vice-president, Joe Biden, was ready to be president. He also added that he was "troubled" by the "false intimations that Obama was Muslim." Powell stated that "[Obama] is a Christian—he's always been a Christian... But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America." Powell then mentioned Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, a Muslim American soldier in the U.S. Army who served and died in the Iraq War. He later stated, "Over the last seven weeks, the approach of the Republican Party has become narrower and narrower [...] I look at these kind of approaches to the campaign, and they trouble me." Powell concluded his Sunday morning talk show comments, "It isn't easy for me to disappoint Sen. McCain in the way that I have this morning, and I regret that [...] I think we need a transformational figure. I think we need a president who is a generational change and that's why I'm supporting Barack Obama, not out of any lack of respect or admiration for Sen. John McCain." Later in a December 12, 2008, CNN interview with Fareed Zakaria, Powell reiterated his belief that during the last few months of the campaign, Palin pushed the Republican party further to the right and had a polarizing impact on it.

In a July 2009 CNN interview with John King, Powell expressed concern over President Obama growing the size of the federal government and the size of the federal budget deficit. In September 2010, he criticized the Obama administration for not focusing "like a razor blade" on the economy and job creation. Powell reiterated that Obama was a "transformational figure." In a video that aired on CNN.com in November 2011, Colin Powell said in reference to Barack Obama, "many of his decisions have been quite sound. The financial system was put back on a stable basis."

On October 25, 2012, 12 days before the presidential election, he gave his endorsement to President Obama for re-election during a broadcast of CBS This Morning. He cited success and forward progress in foreign and domestic policy arenas under the Obama Administration, and made the following statement: "I voted for him in 2008 and I plan to stick with him in 2012 and I'll be voting for he [sic] and for Vice President Joe Biden next month."

As additional reason for his endorsement, Powell cited the changing positions and perceived lack of thoughtfulness of Mitt Romney on foreign affairs, and a concern for the validity of Romney's economic plans.

In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos during ABC's coverage of President Obama's second inauguration, Powell criticized members of the Republican Party who "demonize[d] the president." He called on GOP leaders to publicly denounce such talk.

Powell has been very vocal on the state of the Republican party. Speaking at a Washington Ideas forum in early October 2015, he warned the audience that the Republican party had begun a move to the fringe right, lessening the chances of a Republican White House in the future. He also remarked on Republican presidential contender Donald Trump's statements regarding immigrants, noting that there were many immigrants working in Trump hotels.

In March 2016, Powell denounced the "nastiness" of the 2016 Republican primaries during an interview on CBS This Morning. He compared the race to reality television, and stated that the campaign had gone "into the mud."

In August 2016, Powell accused the Clinton campaign of trying to pin Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's email controversy on him. Speaking to People magazine, Powell said, "The truth is, she was using [the private email server] for a year before I sent her a memo telling her what I did."

On September 13, 2016, emails were obtained that revealed Powell's private communications regarding both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Powell privately reiterated his comments regarding Clinton's email scandal, writing, "I have told Hillary's minions repeatedly that they are making a mistake trying to drag me in, yet they still try," and complaining that "Hillary's mafia keeps trying to suck me into it" in another email. In another email discussing Clinton's controversy, Powell noted that she should have told everyone what she did "two years ago", and said that she has not "been covering herself with glory." Writing on the 2012 Benghazi attack controversy surrounding Clinton, Powell said to then U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice, "Benghazi is a stupid witch hunt." Commenting on Clinton in a general sense, Powell mused that "Everything [Clinton] touches she kind of screws up with hubris", and in another email stated "I would rather not have to vote for her, although she is a friend I respect."

Powell referred to Donald Trump as a "national disgrace", with "no sense of shame." He wrote of Trump's role in the birther movement, which he referred to as "racist." Powell suggested that the media ignore Trump, saying, "To go on and call him an idiot just emboldens him." The emails were obtained by the media as the result of a hack.

Powell endorsed Clinton on October 25, 2016, stating it was "because I think she's qualified, and the other gentleman is not qualified."

Despite not running in the election, Powell received three electoral votes for president from faithless electors in Washington who had pledged to vote for Clinton, coming in third overall. After Barack Obama, Powell was only the second Black person to receive electoral votes in a presidential election. He was also the first Republican since 1984 to receive electoral votes from Washington in a presidential election, as well as the first Republican Black person to do so.

In an interview in October 2019, Powell warned that the GOP needed to “get a grip" and put the country before their party, standing up to President Trump rather than worrying about political fallout. “When they see things that are not right, they need to say something about it because our foreign policy is in shambles right now, in my humble judgment, and I see things happening that are hard to understand,” Powell said.

Personal life

Powell married Alma Johnson on August 25, 1962. Their son, Michael Powell, was the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2001 to 2005. His daughters are Linda Powell, an actress, and Annemarie Powell. As a hobby, Powell restores old Volvo and Saab cars. In 2013, he faced questions about a relationship with a Romanian diplomat, after a hacked AOL email account had been made public. He acknowledged a "very personal" email relationship but denied further involvement.

Civilian awards and honors

Powell's civilian awards include two Presidential Medals of Freedom (the second with distinction), the President's Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal, and the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award. Several schools and other institutions have been named in his honor and he holds honorary degrees from universities and colleges across the country.

In 1988, Powell received the Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award.

In 1990, Powell received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards.

In 1991, Powell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush.

In 1991, Powell was awarded the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP.

In 1991, Powell was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, which "honors the achievements of outstanding individuals in U.S. society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education."

On April 23, 1991, Powell was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal "in recognition of his exemplary performance as a military leader and advisor to the President in planning and coordinating the military response of the United States to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the ultimate retreat and defeat of Iraqi forces and Iraqi acceptance of all United Nations Resolutions relating to Kuwait."

On September 30, 1993, Powell was awarded his second Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction by President Bill Clinton.

On November 9, 1993, Powell was awarded the second Ronald Reagan Freedom Award, by President Ronald Reagan. Powell served as Reagan's National Security Advisor from 1987–1989.

On December 15, 1993, Colin Powell was created an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

In 1998, he was awarded the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award by the United States Military Academy for his commitment to the ideals of "Duty, Honor, Country."

The 2002 Liberty Medal was awarded to Colin Powell on July 4 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his acceptance speech, Powell reminded Americans that "It is for America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, to help freedom ring across the globe, unto all the peoples thereof. That is our solemn obligation, and we will not fail."

The coat of arms of Colin Powell was granted by the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh on February 4, 2004. Technically the grant was to Powell's father (a British subject) to be passed on by descent. Scotland's King of Arms is traditionally responsible for granting arms to Commonwealth citizens of Scottish descent. Blazoned as

Azure, two swords in saltire points downwards between four mullets Argent, on a chief of the Second a lion passant Gules. On a wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest the head of an American bald-headed eagle erased Proper. And in an escrol over the same this motto, "DEVOTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE."

The swords and stars refer to the former general's career, as does the crest, which is the badge of the 101st Airborne (which he served as a brigade commander in the mid-1970s). The lion may be an allusion to Scotland. The shield can be shown surrounded by the insignia of an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath (KCB), an award the General received after the first Gulf War.

In 2005 Powell received the Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award for his contributions to Africa.

AARP honored Powell with the 2006 AARP Andrus Award, the Association's highest honor. This award, named in honor of AARP's founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, is presented biennially to distinguished individuals who have generated positive social change in the world, and whose work and achievements reflect AARP's vision of bringing lifetimes of experience and leadership to serve all generations.

In 2005 Colin and Alma Powell were awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution.

Colin Powell was initiated as an honorary brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Powell is a recipient of the Silver Buffalo Award, the highest adult award given by the Boy Scouts of America.

A street in Gelnhausen, Germany was named after him: "General-Colin-Powell-Straße."

In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Colin Powell on his list of 100 Greatest Blacks in America.

In 2009, an elementary school named for Colin Powell opened in El Paso. It is in the El Paso Independent School District, located on Fort Bliss property, and serves a portion of Fort Bliss. There is also a street in El Paso named for Powell, Colin Powell Drive.

Powell is an Honorary Board Member of the humanitarian organization Wings of Hope

Since 2006, he is the chairman of the Board of Trustees for Eisenhower Fellowships

In 2006, The Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem awarded Colin Powell with the Truman Peace Prize for his efforts to conduct the "war against terrorism", through diplomatic as well as military means, and to avert regional and civil conflicts in many parts of the world.

In September 2012 Union City, New Jersey opened Colin Powell Elementary School, which was named after Powell, and dedicated the school on February 7, 2013, with governor Chris Christie in attendance. Powell himself visited the school on June 4, 2013.

In 2014, Colin Powell was named to the National Board of Advisors for High Point University.

#04/05

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nprbooks · 5 years

Photo

Whoooo, we made it all the way to #FridayReads! I’m mainlining the deliciousy angsty and compelling YA novels of A.S. King, in preparation for an event with her at DC’s own Politics & Prose next Thursday, the 4th -- come on out and say hi, if you’re local!

Boss Lady Ellen has set herself quite the task: Eleanor Catlett’s hefty, prize-winning The Luminaries.

PCHH pal Jessica Reedy is hoping to enjoy the warm weather on her roof deck with Amy Hempel’s new short story collection Sing to It.

Code Switch’s Shereen Marisol Meraji says she’s reading All the Rage -- "I have a comeback any time my husband tries to make the claim he does as much as me around the house,” she says. “I’m also forcing him to read it before we have a kid.”

Her colleague Gene Demby has Josh Levin’s fascinating The Queen. "It’s about Linda Taylor, the ‘Cadillac-driving welfare queen in Chicago'’ that Pres. Reagan referenced in a 1983 speech about rampant defrauding of government anti-poverty programs,” he says.

Her story helped popularize stereotype about lazy Black people on the dole; the (racialized) unpopularity of those programs eventually led to Pres. Clinton ending “welfare as we know it.” But the focus on her welfare grifting meant people mostly ignored the more sinister crimes she was implicated in — like kidnappings and murders! (And while the news media assumed she was Black, she toggled through so many identities for so many scams that no one was actually sure!) Anyway, it’s a wild book.

Big Boss Edith Chapin is reading Wil Haygood’s Tigerland, an account Columbus, Ohio’s East High School during the 1689-69 school year. “Both the basketball and baseball teams won state championships in a year of civil rights change in the country,” she says. “It all hit hard at an all black HS.”

And Code Switch’s Karen Grigsby Bates, lucky her, has an ARC of Ayesha at Last, Uzma Jalaluddin’s retelling of Pride and Prejudice. I’m jealous!

What are y’all reading?

-- Petra

#npr books #books #reading #fiction #nonfiction #friday reads

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cards-onthetable · 5 years

Note

I'd ask you to write a March Madness Joble but that feels very American-centric and maybe no one's interested. But if it led to playing a little one-on-one in the Reagan driveway with Looks and heavy breathing and Competitive Flirting and Jamie trying not to push him up against the brick on the side of his father's house maybe people would be interested. 👀👀🏀

Oh, like this?👀👀👀👀👀👀

This is like, Aggressively American so I apologize to all our non-basketball obsessed dumpster members. It’s also a lot of words and I’m kind of mad about it. Consider it an authorized add-on to @ontherockswithsalt‘s highschool!Joble AU and party like it’s 1999.

***

“That was not a foul!”

The loud protest rings out as I cautiously slip inside the Reagans’ back door. “Come on, you’ll let it go when Miami’s hanging off the guy’s back, but you call that?”

I don’t recognize the voice, but Jamie’s reply is unmistakable. “He got him on the arm, Danny!”

“Jamie?” I call. “Hey, I’m here.”

“Who’s that?” Danny demands, but Jamie doesn’t answer him as he appears at the edge of the kitchen.

“Hey, sorry, I knocked but…”

“But it’s a little loud in here,” Jamie shrugs. “Come on in, we’re just watching Purdue give Miami a run for their money. My brother’s here. Hence the yelling.”

I trail him into the living room just as his brother Danny slumps down hopelessly into Mr. Reagan’s usual armchair. “This is so bad. Dammit, Jamie--”

“Not my fault your bracket sucks,” Jamie shrugs. “This is Noble, by the way.”

Danny turns a lazy glance on me. “Oh, that kid Mom was talking about.”

“Uh -- yeah, him,” Jamie confirms. He meets my eyes with a grimace that’s either apologetic or embarrassed, I’m not sure, but it’s damn cute either way.

“Basketball fan?” Danny asks.

“March Madness fan.”

“He’s pissed that Miami isn’t walking away with this game,” Jamie explains.

“I got Miami in the championship!” Danny wails. “Purdue sucks, they’re a ten-seed. This shouldn’t even be a game.”

Jamie rifles through a pile of papers on the coffee table -- his family’s tournament brackets, I realize -- and quickly checks. “No, you have them losing in the Final Four.”

“In my precinct pool, you dummy, the one that matters,” Danny grunts.

I squint at the score in the corner of the grainy screen, where number two-ranked Miami is losing by two. “Well I’ve got Miami in the Final Four too so…”

“So both of you are idiots. Miami doesn’t have the defense to match Purdue’s big guys.” Jamie holds up his own bracket sheet, a smug smirk tugging at his lips. “Go Boilermakers.”

“Lotta game left,” Danny warns him. “Don’t count your chickens, kid.”

Slinging my backpack off my shoulder, I drop onto the couch near Jamie. He does still help me out with Lit class but it’s become more of an afterthought, almost an excuse for the amount of time we’ve been spending together. I’m here once or twice a week, not to mention quiet mornings spent across from each other at our usual library table before class, and other… friendly excuses to hang out whenever they come up.

Danny -- a gruffer, more human contrast to Jamie’s polished parents, his Ivy League sister, the other brother who is apparently just a taller version of Jamie -- turns out to be more entertaining than the game. Purdue is dominating and soon there’s no question about who’ll win.

“You should’ve listened to me,” Jamie shrugs at his brother, who isn’t soothed by the sentiment. “I said when you turned in your bracket…”

“You did not, you’re full of it,” Danny grumbles.

“You know, I bet most people have Miami winning,” I offer. “Nobody thinks a ten will beat a two--”

“Well, not nobody--” Jamie interrupts.

“I didn’t ask you,” I say, shutting him up with a blind elbow to his biceps across the couch. “Who else you got in the Final Four? You could still have a chance.”

Jamie wrenches his arm away and counters with his own elbow. “Well I’m the only one here who got this game right, so maybe you should be asking me.”

I finally lean back against the couch, no longer playfully excluding Jamie from conversation with the angle of my body. “Oh-ho, you got one upset right, better call Sportscenter.”

“My bracket’s better than anyone else’s!” Jamie insists. “My entire Elite Eight is still alive. What about you, Danny?”

“It’s still early,” Danny retorts.

“Yeah, pretty early to have half your teams out--” Jamie ducks, laughing, as Danny pegs a wadded paper towel at him. “Well, you two enjoy watching your brackets die. I’m hungry.”

Taking the paper towel ball and the empty bag of chips from the coffee table, he heads to the kitchen. A moment later, when the game goes to commercial, I follow him.

“He’s just jealous because my bracket has been better than his every year since I was like, ten,” Jamie tells me. “Whenever I could start making informed decisions instead of random guesses.”

I help myself to the other half of the peanut butter sandwich he made. “That wasn’t until you were ten?” I tease.

“Well yeah, I don’t think I really understood the more obscure statistics until then--”

“Oh, my god,” I groan. “Why’m I not surprised?”

“What?” He wonders. “It’s how to do things if you want to win.”

“Stats don’t win games,” I argue. “If they did, there’d be no upsets, the Final Four would be all the one-seeds…”

“No, see, that’s not true. There are other important factors to figure out which team should win any given game, it’s not just win-loss record.”

I shake my head. “You’re the only person I know who can take something fun and make it like, some boring math problem. Your stats only mean so much. What matters is how you actually play.”

Jamie lets out an amused scoff. “That’s what stats are, man. They tell you how you play. A little more specifically than good or bad.”

“There’s no substitute for just playing,” I maintain. “Knowing how someone is on the court. You can’t break that down into a bunch of numbers.”

“Jamie!” Danny yells. “I’m gonna take off. Tell Mom Linda’s working on Sunday so she won’t be at dinner.”

“Okay,” Jamie calls back. “Any miraculous comebacks in there?”

“Can it,” Danny shouts, and the front door slams behind him before Jamie can do more than snicker at his brother’s frustration.

“You play?” he asks me as he turns to replace the jar of jelly in the fridge.

“Play?” I echo.

“Basketball, dude. Do you?”

“Sure.” I don’t, really. I quit organized sports around the time the coaches got serious and started to be pissed at me for dicking around.

“Alright then, let’s go,” he challenges with a flick of his eyebrows. “One-on-one.”

My eyes widen at the challenge. “What’ll I win?”

“That’s the question I should be asking you.”

“You’re not driving my car,” I announce, killing that dream of his before he can bring it up again.

“Sounds like you’re concerned. You know, I was the top three-point shooter by percentage on my eighth grade team.”

“How about you let your game speak for itself.”

“Just want you to know what you’re up against,” he says, an easy smile betraying his confidence. “Let me go change, be right back.”

He heads upstairs and returns quickly, having switched to mesh shorts rather than the jeans he was inexplicably wearing for a casual night in at his own house. Once he’s tied his New Balance tennis shoes he leads the way outside, where a hoop I hadn’t noticed before hangs above the garage door.

“First to eleven baskets wins,” Jamie says. “Jump balls go to the offense. Inbound at that crack right there. Here, you can be on offense first.”

Basketball propped against his hip, he waits at the designated crack in the driveway pavement as I position myself across from him, facing the basket. Then he passes me the ball and bends his knees into a defensive stance. I dribble in place for a moment before I attempt to go around him, only for his long arm to slap the ball away. He manages to grab it and turns to the basket to make an easy layup.

“Oh, so that’s how it is, huh?” I call out.

“Doesn’t have to be,” he smirks. “You could, I don’t know, play a little--”

“Alright, hey, check me the ball, let’s go.”

“One, nothing,” he says, and we start over.

This time I’m more ready for him. With a little momentum towards the basket, I stop short and send up a jump shot before he can adjust. It bounces off the rim and I dash for the rebound, making the second shot I take.

“How’s that for ‘playing a little’?”

“We might have a game here.” Jamie jogs to the inbound line and pushes his hair back off his forehead. “What’s wrong, Sanfino? Nervous?”

“No. For you, maybe.”

I bounce him the ball, expecting him to dribble and set himself up for his play. Instead he immediately flies past me and makes a show of his shot while I can just stand there and watch him score.

“What was that?” he calls as the ball rolls away. “Who’re you scared for?”

“Okay, so that’s how it’s gonna be?”

“How it’s gonna be? What, like a game? I’m not here to bake cookies, man. Get the ball.”

“You get it.”

“I’m winning.”

Brushing past him, I wing out an arm to shove him and then I smack the ball hard against his stomach. “Not for long.”

He’s a better ball handler than I am, but I’m bigger and I’m not afraid to throw my weight around a little bit. Where he pulls out fancy moves, dribbles between his legs and cuts around me to the basket, I just lower my shoulder against his chest and push back, keeping my dribble with the other hand until I’m close enough to turn and shoot. Despite our different styles we’re evenly matched, tied at eight when I have to take a time-out.

Jamie sends a confused frown my way as his chest heaves with a deep breath. “‘S wrong?”

“Lemme get some water,” I say, swiping at my sweaty forehead with the hem of my t-shirt.

“Hurry up, we gotta finish before my parents get home and park in front of the hoop. Whoa, unless that’s your whole strategy--”

“Strategy?”

“Put it off long enough that we can’t finish, and therefore you can’t lose.”

“Big talk from a guy who’s not actually winning,” I remind him with a teasing grin.

He body-checks me as we both go for the kitchen door like he can’t leave the game on the driveway. It’s different seeing him like this, letting loose a little rather than taking everything so seriously. Between that and the physical closeness of him as we play, every nerve in my body is buzzing and it’s kind of distracting. I don’t need the water break so much for the water as to relax myself for a second before I really do lose this game.

We down glasses of water, check the score of the game that’s on in the empty living room, and head back outside. Jamie pulls off his Harvard sweatshirt and his shirt comes up with it, flashing skin I didn’t ask to see. It almost surprises me when he shoves the ball at me and I remember I’m supposed to beating his ass.

“Let’s go!” he urges. “We’re losing daylight here.”

I pass him the ball to start his offense and he pulls another quick move around me to make a ten-foot jumper. Then I promptly miss the same shot, and he shoulders his way underneath me to come up with the rebound. Ducking away to reset, he beats my slow defense once more and I can just catch his point beneath the basket.

“Uh-oh, game point,” he pants, managing a knowing grin. “It’s your last chance, bro. Don’t blow it.”

“I’m not about to blow anything,” I assert. “Quit fucking around, Reagan, and inbound the ball.”

“Oh, he’s serious now, folks,” Jamie narrates to nobody. He takes the ball as I get in position at the line, and he bounces it to me. “Less than a minute left and it’s a two-possession game. Sanfino has the ball--”

Dribbling with my right hand, I turn my back to his defense and drive left to the basket.

“He’s going for the basket,” he continues, his breath hot at my neck as I push against him. “It’s a tough man-to-man defense. Lots of traffic in the lane--”

He’s fucking distracting, his teasing and his hips pressed against my ass stirring something deep in my gut that I try to ignore in my struggle to focus. When I shove off him with a strong push of one arm and turn to shoot, I’m just throwing up a prayer and it bounces hopelessly off the rim.

Jamie pivots and goes for the ball with me close behind. We both get our hands on it, fighting until I yell, “Jump! Jump balls go to the offense,” and rip the ball away. He scrambles to get back on defense but I’m quick enough to make the layup.

“Sanfino makes the layup and it’s getting interesting here in Bay Ridge, folks…”

“Oh, my god, shut up,” I demand, but I can’t help the laugh that escapes my winded chest.

He ducks his face againt a defined shoulder to clear the sweat, and then I pass him the ball. “The shot clock is winding down -- Reagan for the win -- five, four, three--” And he swishes a perfect long jumper, ending it without ever leaving me a chance.

He pumps a triumphant fist and jogs around me to get the ball before it rolls away. “And that,” he declares, “is what happens when you think you can beat the best three-point shooter on the 8th grade Bay Ridge Badgers.”

“Badgers?” I yelp, cracking up. “No way.”

“We only won two games,” Jamie admits. “But I made eighty-three percent of my three-pointers.” He stows the ball in the garage and shuts the side door behind him as he approaches me. “Hey, man, good game. That was fun.”

I accept his outstretched hand and we pull each other into a sweaty back-slapping hug.

“We’ll have to play again sometime, and I won’t let you win.”

“Let me win? Let me?” He shoves me back and heads for the door, grabbing his discarded sweatshirt as he does. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, dude.”

Running a hand through sweaty hair, I stay on the driveway for a beat to let a deep breath and a nice stretch disperse all the jumpy energy flowing through me. And then I follow him into the house.

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