WASHINGTON, D.C., May 18, 2007 General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) will address Farm Bureau members at the American Farm Bureau Federations 89th annual convention on Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, in New Orleans, La.
General Powells far-reaching U.S. foreign policy and military experience gives him an extraordinary perspective from which to address Americas farmers and ranchers, said AFBF President Bob Stallman. His solid commitment to democratic values is reflected in his distinguished U.S. Army career and tenure as our nations 65th secretary of state. We look forward to welcoming him to our convention.
Powell was sworn in as secretary of state on Jan. 20, 2001. The guiding principle of U.S. foreign policy during his tenure was that America stands ready to help any country that wishes to join the democratic world.
On 9/11, Powell stood with President Bush and other members of his cabinet in fighting the war on terrorism. He led the State Department in major efforts to solve regional and civil conflicts in the Middle East, between Israel and its Arab neighbors; in Sudan, Congo and Liberia; in the Balkans, Cyprus, Haiti, Northern Ireland and elsewhere. He is well-known for using the power of diplomacy and the universal ideal of democracy to build trust, forge alliances and begin the transformation of once-unstable regions into areas where societies and cultures prosper.
Before becoming secretary of state, Powell served as aide to the secretary of defense and as national security adviser to President Reagan. He also served 35 years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of four-star general and serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993.
More than 5,000 Farm Bureau members are expected to attend the convention, where they will have the opportunity to listen to Powell describe his experiences firsthand. The convention runs Jan. 13-16, 2008.