Photograph of Gen. Colin Powell with President Clinton and Vice Pres. Al Gore

The White House, founded 1792 · September 30, 1993

This photograph was inscribed by President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore on the occasion of Powell's retirement as 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Powell was the first African American to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He was appointed under President George H. W. Bush and continued to serve under President Clinton until retiring from the Army in 1993. This photograph hung in the receiving room of the Powell family's residence in McLean, Virginia.