Brighten Your Day

Man Helps Gen. Colin Powell After Tire Blowout On Highway

January 25, 2019

Gen. Colin Powell took to Facebook to show his appreciation for a Good Samaritan who helped him after his tire blew out on the highway in Washington D.C.

As the retired four-star general was working to change the tire, he said a vehicle pulled up in front of his and a man with an artificial leg got out to help him.

Powell wrote: "Yesterday was a reassuring day for me. I was on my way to Walter Reed Military Hospital for an exam. As I drove along Interstate 495 my left front tire blew out. I am a car guy and knew I could change it but it was cold outside and the lug bolts were very tight. I jacked the car up and got several of the bolts removed when a car suddenly pulled up in front of me. As the man got out of his car I could see that he had an artificial leg. He said he recognized me and wanted to help me. We chatted and I learned that he lost his leg in Afghanistan when he worked over there as a civilian employee. He grabbed the lug wrench and finished the job as I put the tools away. Then we both hurriedly headed off to appointments at Walter Reed. I hadn't gotten his name or address but he did ask for a 'selfie'.

Powell didn't get the man's name, but received the following message from him later that evening:

"Gen. Powell, I hope I never forget today because I'll never forget reading your books. You were always an inspiration, a leader and statesman. After 33 years in the military you were the giant whose shoulders we stood upon to carry the torch to light the way and now it is tomorrow's generation that must do the same. Anthony Maggert"