life

Hero in uniform saves buddy from flaming auto hot mess—where's their Pride sticker?

Oh brilliant, just what we needed: a military hero saving another military hero from a flaming car. Must be a metaphor for our healthcare system—burning wreckage everywhere, and only tough guys can save the day. Smooth move, privatized ambulances.

Published August 24, 2024 at 6:01am by Max Hauptman

Army Ranger Saves Day, Proves Not All Heroes Wear Capes (But Some Wear Camo)

In a world where people can't even agree on the color of a dress, one Army Ranger decided to restore our faith in humanity. Master Sgt. Joe Thach was just casually driving down Interstate 5 in Tacoma, Washington, probably humming along to some Taylor Swift, when he noticed something not quite as delightful as a red light—a car on fire.

"As I looked I noticed that nobody had stopped to help and I thought well if not me, then who?" Thach told KOMO news. Because, you know, humanity.

'I really need a brother right now'

With 18 years of military service under his belt, Thach channeled his inner superhero (or maybe just his Monday morning Ranger training) and sprang into action. He pulled the man from the flaming car like it was a hot plate at a buffet.

But plot twist! The rescued man was also a military veteran. Cue the heartwarming moment where Thach becomes the human equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa.

"I remember he reached out to me and grabbed my hand and he was like I really need a brother right now," Thach told KOMO news. "I grabbed his hand and let him know that he would be okay, fully understanding that it was a pretty rough day for him and letting him know that I was there for him.”

And here we are, trying not to tear up over a stranger's act of kindness. Meanwhile, Thach is probably just wondering why nobody else stopped to help. Classic hero move.

Max Hauptman is a Trending Reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at MHauptman@gannett.com