Weston+Goodnoe+second+page

Colin L. Powell By: Weston Goodnoe The author of “The Story of an American General” is Katherine Applegate. Colin Powell was born in Jamaica, and even though blacks were treated more fairly in Jamaica than in America, his parents moved to America hoping for a better life for them and for their children. Much like myself Colin Powell did not do as well in grade school as he should have. Also much like me he loved the military and studied the history of different wars. He was first black man ever to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In his early years he studied to be a geologist, then one day he saw other students dressed in their white uniforms and rifles. He wanted to know what they were doing and was so impress that he joined the ROTC. It wasn’t long before he became a Cadet Colonel, the highest rank for ROTC. He finally felt like he knew what he was meant to do and joined the Army. While in the Army he served in Vietnam as a military adviser during his first tour.

He was so trusted he oversaw 28 crises during his career. He was also known as the “reluctant warrior” because he felt military intervention should only come after diplomacy. He tried to approach conflicts with maximize success and minimize casualties.

During his second term in Vietnam his leadership skills were tested when the helicopter he was in crashed and he said the lives of all the men on board. Colin Powell was extremely brave, he cared for others lives beyond his own. He became the most respected man in the military. He always got along with other soldiers and tried to keep them encouraged if they were tired and weary. While serving in Korea he helped settle some of the troubles between the white and black soldiers, it wasn’t long before they all got along fine.

I admire Colin Powell because he was a trusted leader as a General. I hope that I can be a General just like him. He also tries to help at risk youth by a program called National Mentoring. He also founded America’s Promise, to help other children who don’t have the same opportunities.

I think my book is 100% accurate. He worked really hard and helped with the military. He is a trusted diplomat and served our country. He received several metals in the military and was also the National Security Advisor for President Reagan.