Secretary of State Colin Powell Signed Letter on Rec. for Former W.H. Valet PSA

Title: General Colin Powell Signed Letter of Recommendation for US Navy Aide – PSA Authenticated (Cert #AP49069)

Description:
Offered here is a typed letter signed (TLS) by General Colin L. Powell, dated 31 May 1999, written on his personal letterhead from McLean, Virginia. The letter serves as a glowing recommendation for Master Chief Sam Sutton, US Navy, endorsing his application to the Starkey International Institute’s Estate Manager’s course.

The letter is boldly signed by General Colin Powell at the bottom in black ink, and bears a PSA/DNA authentication sticker in the lower left corner, with Certification Number AP49069. The signature is crisp and well-centered, and the letter remains in excellent condition with clear, legible print.

Letter Content Summary:
In the letter, General Powell writes with high personal regard for MSCS Sam Sutton, noting that both he and his wife have known Sutton for over a decade. Powell praises Sutton as:

• An expert in food preparation and service,

• Skilled in household account management and home maintenance,

• A hardworking, honest, and trustworthy aide with strong loyalty.

Powell highlights Sutton’s service in the White House and his ambition to return to public service at a high level. He concludes emphatically:

"I would hire him instantly."

Powell ends the letter by stating:

"He has our highest recommendation."

Historical Context:
General Colin L. Powell (1937–2021) served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993) and later as U.S. Secretary of State (2001–2005) under President George W. Bush. He was the first African American to hold both roles. Known for his leadership in the Gulf War and his bipartisan appeal, Powell remained a respected figure in American public life for decades. This letter—written in retirement but referencing his time in the White House—reflects his continued engagement with leadership, service, and mentorship.

The mention that he himself “served in the White House for two years” provides additional weight to his recommendation, tying the letter directly to his firsthand understanding of service at the highest levels of government.

Authentication:
This letter is authenticated by PSA/DNA with a tamper-evident certification sticker affixed to the front. It is verified under Certification Number AP49069, which can be cross-referenced on PSA’s website for authenticity and provenance.

Closing Appeal:
A personal and powerfully worded letter from one of America's most respected military and political leaders, this Colin Powell signed letter offers collectors a remarkable combination of White House insight, military endorsement, and leadership legacy. Backed by PSA authentication, it is a significant piece for collectors of presidential, military, or 20th-century American history.