Colin Powell

                          
ABOUTFour-star general who was the first African American Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. He famously broke from his party to endorse Barack Obama in 2008.

BEFORE FAMEHe worked at a baby furniture store before joining the Army and serving in the Vietnam War.

TRIVIA FACTHe became, at the age of 49, Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor in the aftermath of the Iran Contra scandal.

FAMILY LIFEHis son is the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Michael Powell.

ASSOCIATED WITHHe served as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush.