Leading The Country To A Rewarding Future: America's Promise

by Jordan Mamorsky

General Colin Powell is one of the most recognizable and prestigious figures in America. He is highly respected as a man of honor; his prominence crossing racial, cultural, and governmental party lines. His career in public service began in the military, where he quickly rose in rank. His success in the Army was only a prequel to his job as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, serving from 1989 to 1993, under Presidents Bush and Clinton. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serves as the liaison between the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marines) and the President of the United States.

General Powell bases his rise to prominence in America on hard work. "I just tried to do my job to the best of my ability, and, fortunately, people recognized that in the course of my career and kept promoting me. Sometimes they didn't think I did too well, and they slapped me around and held me back a little bit. But, even with those disappointments, I was able to keep moving forward."

Many Americans would like to see the General have an active role in politics, and even run for President. For now, however, Powell has put a political career on hold so that he can focus on another important act of public service: helping America's youth. General Powell has created America's Promise which is dedicated to helping the kids in America. The General believes most kids need direction in their lives to become leaders in the future. "It's time to stop building jails and get back to building up our children," he told me in an interview. Through collaborative efforts with businesses, governments, religious organizations, nonprofit organizations and communities, America's Promise has initiated programs that benefit young people in 480 communities of promise across the United States.