My Statement on the Passing of General Colin Powell

Ambassador to the United Nations” when President Bush announced his appointment as Secretary of State in 2005.

And, yes, that's correct.

Powell, a Republican and a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, first rose to prominence as a soldier. In the 1960s, he was an officer in the Marine Corps. In the 1970s, he served in Vietnam, first as a company commander in the 1st Marine Division and then as the commanding officer of a reconnaissance unit.

He was a two-time recipient of the Silver Star and the Bronze Star with Valor. During the Gulf War, he was the Joint Chiefs of Staff chief of staff. And in the 1990s, he became the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He also served as National Security Advisor under Bush.

Powell was a Navy man, and served as Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African-American to hold the position.

On Sunday, Trump tweeted this message: "My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him."

. @Gen_Powell was a great fighter for our country, and he will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who loved him. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2016

Powell died on Saturday night at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

The cause of death was not immediately known, but according to a family statement, Powell "had recently experienced some health complications."

"On Saturday evening, December 8, 2016, at the age of 78, Colin Powell passed away," his family said. "In his own words, Colin would say that he was 'first and foremost a problem solver. And if you don't have a problem, you don't have a problem solving.' He was a man of the highest character and the best quality is those who leave this world not only better than they found it, but better than they were."

Here's the statement from Powell's family:

"Colin Powell, Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army (Retired) and U.S. Secretary of State, passed away at 8:57pm on Saturday, December 8, 2016 at George Washington University Hospital.

"Colin Powell was 78 years old, and is survived by his wife Alma and their four children, Robin, Susan, Gary, and Katharine.

"Colin was first and foremost a problem solver. And if you don't have a problem, you don't have a problem solving.

"He was a man of the highest character and the best quality is those who leave this world not only better than they found it, but better than they were.

"Colin's family thanks everyone for their prayers and requests privacy at this time."

Powell was born on August 29, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. His father, Earl, was a well-known black doctor in the city. His mother was an active social activist.

Powell graduated from Princeton University in 1973 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He earned a master's degree in business administration from Harvard University in 1976.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 1977. He was then commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army Reserves.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while serving in Vietnam.