WASHINGTON—Former Secretary of State and Army general Colin Powell, got some help changing a flat tire from a man who lost a leg in Afghanistan.
Powell, a retired four-star Army general, posted on Facebook he was driving to Walter Reed Military Hospital when a tire blew out on Wednesday, Jan. 23.
Powell, 81, said he couldn’t get the tire off because it was cold outside and the lug bolts were very tight.
Yesterday was a reassuring day for me. I was on my way to Walter Reed Military Hospital for an exam. As I drove along…
Powell says a car pulled up and a man with an artificial leg got out. The man recognized him and wanted to help. He learned the man had lost his leg when he was a civilian employee in Afghanistan.
Great story! @Fox5DC speaks with Anthony Maggert. He’s the Good Samaritan who lost his leg in Afghanistan, and wound up providing an emergency roadside rescue for Gen. Colin Powell after the General has a tire blowout on 1-495 Beltway https://t.co/IR9jioFQEo pic.twitter.com/uYqASLdCOw
— Tom Fitzgerald (@FitzFox5DC) January 25, 2019
The man was identified as Anthony Maggert, who got a selfie photo with Powell. There were reports that Maggert was a veteran, but Powell stated that he was a civilian employee who worked in Afghanistan.
The man finished changing the tire and they both drove off to their appointments at Walter Reed.
The man, Anthony Maggert, later texted 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.”
COMING UP: We hear from Colin Powell and Anthony Maggert, the veteran who stopped on the side of the road to help Powell — a hero of his — change a flat tire.@MitchellReports has the story tonight on @NBCNightlyNews. pic.twitter.com/aiTVFeiuFp
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) January 25, 2019
Powell said he was moved by the message, and he sent one back to him in response.
“Thanks, Anthony. You touched my soul and reminded me about what this country is all about and why it is so great. Let’s stop screaming at each other. Let’s just take care of each other. You made my day,” the former general wrote.
NBC’s @ShomariStone Reports. ‘You Made My Day’: Colin Powell Gives Heartfelt Thanks to Vet Who Helped Him Change Tire on the Beltway. #AnthonyMaggert #ColinPowell pic.twitter.com/bNuhfMUXKu
— Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) January 25, 2019
Amish Teen Driving Buggy Rescued From Flooded Ohio Roadway
Authorities say a 17-year-old Amish girl driving a horse-drawn buggy has been rescued after the buggy was swept away by high water along a flooded rural road in northeast Ohio.
Amish or English doesn't matter – Turn Around Don't Drown! Never attempt to drive through flood waters.
The Massillon Independent reports emergency personnel used an inflatable raft in the afternoon of Jan. 24 to rescue the teen who’d taken refuge on the buggy’s roof in Wayne County’s Sugar Creek Township. She wasn’t injured.
The buggy was pulled into a ditch covered in about 5 feet of water.
Officials say the horse pulling the buggy died from exposure to the cold water and sub-freezing temperature.
Sugar Creek Township is roughly 57 miles south of downtown Cleveland.
The Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips contributed to the report.
