Life Stories 22/05/2025 09:04

A Roadside Act of Kindness: How a Veteran Helped Gen. Powell on Interstate 495

A veteran helps Gen. Powell with a tire blowout on Interstate 495, showing true kindness. Read their story! ❤️🚗
On May 21, 2025, a simple drive to Walter Reed Military Hospital for a check-up turned into a heartwarming reminder of the good in people for Gen. Powell. While driving on Interstate 495, his front left tire suddenly blew out, leaving him stranded on the side of the road. Confident in his ability to handle cars, Gen. Powell began changing the tire himself despite the cold weather and stubbornly tight lug nuts. He had the car jacked up and a few bolts removed when a car pulled over in front of him, and a man with an artificial leg stepped out to offer assistance.

The man immediately recognized Gen. Powell and expressed his desire to help. As they worked together, he shared that he had lost his leg in Afghanistan while working there as a civilian. He then took the lug wrench, finished changing the tire, and allowed Gen. Powell to pack up the tools. Both men were headed to Walter Reed for appointments, so they hurried off after the task was done. Although Gen. Powell didn’t catch the man’s name or contact information at the time, the stranger requested a selfie before they parted ways. Later that night, he received a touching message: “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 on to carry the torch, and now it’s tomorrow’s generation who must do the same. —Anthony Maggert.”

This selfless act deeply moved Gen. Powell, reminding him of the core values that define this country—compassion and support over conflict. I can imagine the two men on the side of Interstate 495, sharing a moment of camaraderie, the cold air forgotten as they connected over shared experiences and mutual respect. Shared by its keeper and credited to the respective owner, this story isn’t just about a tire change—it’s a powerful call for more helping and less yelling in our communities. Thank you, Anthony Maggert, for making Gen. Powell’s day and inspiring us all with your kindness.

This uplifting narrative encourages readers to embrace acts of kindness in their daily lives and to honor the spirit of service exemplified by veterans like Anthony, fostering a culture of mutual support and gratitude.

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