Like Gen. Powell, Retd. (4 letters) and RET. (3 letters) refer to the same person, General Colin Powell, who is a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He served as the 65th United States Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush. He was the first African American to serve in that position. He also served as the National Security Advisor from 1987 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan. He is currently a public speaker and political consultant.