People around the country and in western Connecticut are mourning the loss of military leader and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Alex Plitsas, of Fairfield, met Colin Powell several times in Washington, D.C. The decorated Army veteran in Iraq and Defense Department employee in Afghanistan says he was impressed by Powell.

"He had this imposing commanding presence but this cool, calm, collected nature to him,” said Plitsas.

The general served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War.

"I believe he actually reached into a gentleman’s neck which had been severely injured to hold off and stop the bleeding for which he was issued a Purple Heart as well as a Soldiers Medal," said Plitsas.

In 1989, Powell became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush, played a key role in the Gulf War, and years later, became secretary of state under President George W. Bush.

Gov. Ned Lamont directed flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Powell.

"I think he was an amazing public servant, a great advisor to presidents on both sides of the aisle and just the type of American that we're going to miss desperately," said the governor.

Sen. Chris Murphy called Powell a “trailblazer and patriot” in a post online.

Powell’s death was due to complications caused by contracting COVID-19. Though he was fully vaccinated against it, Powell had been treated for myeloma, a blood cancer that impairs the body’s ability to fight infection. He was also battling Parkinson’s disease.