of the joint chiefs of staff, a top adviser to four presidents from both parties. >> his effectiveness was magnified by his lack of interest in wracking up partisan debating points or improving how macho he could be as a negotiator. >> reporter: longtime friend richard armitage reflected on some of the military hero's lighter moments, like the time the swedish foreign minister came to visit. >> she opened up a full cd set of abba, and presented it to him. colin immediately went down on one knee and sang the entire "mama miya." >> reporter: powell is survived by his wife the nearly 60 years, alma, along with three children and a grateful nation. ♪ ♪ ♪