Former Secretary of State Colin Powell took to Facebook on Thursday to thank a US veteran — who lost his leg in Afghanistan — after the man stopped to help him change a flat tire.

“Yesterday was a reassuring day for me,” Powell said. “I was on my way to Walter Reed Military Hospital for an exam. As I drove along Interstate 495 my left front tire blew out. 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. As the man got out of his car I could see that he had an artificial leg. He said he recognized me and wanted to help me. We chatted and I learned that he lost his leg in Afghanistan when he worked over there as a civilian employee. 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.'”

Powell, a retired general, said he got a message from the man — identified as Anthony Maggert — letting him know how much the encounter meant to him.

“Gen. Powell, I hope I never forget today because I’ll never forget reading your books,” Maggert said. “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.”

Powell said the meeting had resonated with him, as well.

“Thanks, Anthony. You touched my soul and reminded me about what this country is all about and why it is so great,” Powell wrote on Facebook. “Let’s stop screaming at each other. Let’s just take care of each other. You made my day.”