WASHINGTON (WTHR) — When Anthony Maggert pulled over on Washington, D.C.'s Interstate 495 Wednesday to help a stranded driver, he had no idea he was about to meet someone he had long admired.
"I didn't know who it was. I just know that there's a vehicle, there's a person coming out of the vehicle that looked like they were in need. And I thought, 'well, nobody else is stopping,'" Maggert told NBC Washington.
Turns out, that person was former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
"I was shocked!" Maggert said.
Maggert served 23 years in the Marine Corps. He did three tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan.
His active duty came to a halt when he lost a leg after getting an infection.
Maggert said he has always respected the former Powell.
"He led this fight during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He had a huge impact."
After the encounter, Powell took to his Facebook page to thank Maggert.
"Yesterday was a reassuring day for me," Powell wrote in the post. He explained what happened, then said he later received a note from Maggert, who had never actually introduced himself, but did ask for a selfie.
"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 ended the post by saying Maggert was a reminder of why America is great.
