General Colin Powell took to social media to recount how he got some help from a surprising person after he blew a tire while driving on the Beltway.

Powell was driving to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for an exam when his left front tire suddenly blew out. Soon after Powell got out of his car to fix it, a Good Samaritan with an artificial leg pulled over to help him out.

As he talked to the man, Powell learned that he had lost his leg while working as a civilian employee in Afghanistan. After the tire was fixed, both men rushed off to their appointments, and Powell did not have a chance to get his name. Later that night, however, Powell received a message from the man.

“Gen. Powell, I hope I never forget today because I’ll never forget reading your books,” the message read. “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.”

“Thanks, Anthony,” Powell wrote on Facebook. “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.”