Yesterday reminded me that there’s still so much good in people.
I was driving to Walter Reed Military Hospital for a check-up when my front left tire blew out on Interstate 495. It was freezing, but I figured I could handle it myself. I jacked up the car and started loosening the bolts, though they were on there pretty tight.
Then a car pulled over in front of me. A man got out, walking carefully—I noticed right away he had an artificial leg. He smiled and said he recognized me, then offered to help. As we talked, he told me he’d lost his leg in Afghanistan while working there as a civilian.
Without hesitation, he grabbed the lug wrench and finished changing the tire while I packed up the tools. We both had appointments at Walter Reed, so after a quick handshake and a selfie he asked for, we went our separate ways.
Later that night, I received a message from him. 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 a 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”
Thank you, Anthony. You truly touched my heart and reminded me of what this country is all about.
We need less yelling and more helping. You made my day—and reminded me that kindness still leads the way. ❤️