logo

Afghanistan war veteran who lost a leg stops to help his 'idol' Colin Powell change a flat tire

Jaimie-lee Prince
Jan 25, 2019
04:02 P.M.

Colin Powell received help with a blown out tyre from a veteran. He shared the story of how the man who had lost his leg "touched his soul."

Advertisement

The Former Secretary of State was on his way to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center when his left front tire blew out. He braved the weather and got out of his vehicle on Interstate 495.

On Facebook, he wrote:

"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."

Advertisement

The man said he recognized Powell and offered to help. Powell saw that he was wearing a prosthetic leg. Through conversation, he learned the man had lost it during his time in Afghanistan.

Power described what happened:

"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”."

Advertisement

That evening, Powell received a message from the veteran. It read:

“'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.’ ”

Powell told Maggert thanks and also let him know that he "touched his soul and reminded [him] about what this country is all about and why it is so great."

Advertisement

He implored others:

"Let's stop screaming at each other. Let's just take care of each other. You made my day."

According to CNN, Maggert completed two tours in Afghanistan as well as three in Iraq. He retired from the military just last year after 23 years of service.

His leaving rank was of major. Maggert attended a culinary school following his retirement. He later told CBS that Powell had been 100 percent an inspiration for him to serve in the military.

Advertisement

He said:

"When I was a kid, I thought, wow, it would be cool to be in the military ... but I never thought I would do 23 years in the military. I never thought I would re-deploy as an amputee."

On speaking of his "idol," he said:

"[Powell] always talked about doing better than just being mediocre. And when I got out of the military this last June, I've always had this passion for going to culinary school. So I go to New York City – lower Manhattan – every weekend to culinary school."

Advertisement

Maggert believes he's the first amputee who has attended the Institute of Culinary Education. He may also be the first to have left such a strong impression on Powell.

The former politician is a four-star Army general himself. In addition to being a light to others, he's a hard-hitting example of a citizen who rose to influence despite his origin.

Powell was actually born to Jamaican parents and is a birthright citizen. He served as the Secretary of State under George W. Bush's presidential term.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

I Woke up in Bed with the Man I Would Most Hate to Be With – Story of the Day

February 01, 2024

Paul McCartney's Ex Wife Revealed the 'Evil Things' His Daughter Did That Ruined Their Marriage

February 19, 2024

Shaun So Is an Army Veteran Turned CEO & Anna Chlumsky's Husband

December 02, 2023

Military Veteran Suspects His Middle Child Is Not His & Takes DNA Test — Story of the Day

December 06, 2023

I Got Pregnant during Sleepwalk and Didn’t Even Know It – Story of the Day

January 15, 2024

I Woke up in Bed with the Person I Would Most Hate to Be With – Story of the Day

December 27, 2023

I Bought Food for a Homeless Man, He Stunned Me with His Confession the Next Day

February 15, 2024

Colin Farrell Is the Father of Two Sons, One of Whom Has 'Special Needs' — A Look at Him as a Dad

December 11, 2023

This Woman Provided for Famous Actor - During Their Marriage, He Met His 2nd Wife Who He Nursed Back to Health

February 26, 2024

TikToker Reesa Teesa Blows up the Internet with a 50-Part Video Series about Her Husband’s Crazy Lies

February 26, 2024

Reed Cross Howard Is Ron Howard's Only Son and the Youngest of His Children

November 24, 2023

5 Celebrities Who Revealed They Raise Children with Special Needs

January 26, 2024

Jason Momoa Steps Out with His Kids for the First Time since Divorce from Their Mom - Photo

January 12, 2024

After Mother’s Death, Man Arrives at His Parents’ Old House and Hears Sounds from the Basement – Story of the Day

February 02, 2024