From Gridiron to Hero: Army Player and Dad Save Man in Fiery Crash
In a scene that unfolded like a Hollywood moment, Army football player and West Point cadet Larry Pickett Jr., along with his father, sprang into action to save a man trapped in a burning car near West Point.
In the early hours of Sunday on Route 9W, a vehicle slammed into a utility pole, sparking power lines and igniting flames. Without hesitation, Pickett Jr. — a sophomore safety — and his father rushed into danger, extracting the driver moments before the car exploded. The rescue was captured on video by Pickett’s sister and quickly ignited a swell of admiration and pride. (AP News, People, Task & Purpose)
Why This Matters …
- Action Above All
In that split second — amid sparking wires and impending flame — Pickett didn’t hesitate. His instinct to serve, even off the field, underscores that duty and courage aren’t clocked by a career or uniform — they’re lived.
- Family Values in Practice
The rescue wasn’t just a solo act — it was a family effort. Larry Sr.’s words say it best: “There was no discussion. My son just jumped right into action.” (WTVD/ABC11)
- Warrior Ethos Defined
West Point praised the pair as embodiments of Army values — courage, selflessness, and leadership in action, not proclamation. Coach Jeff Monken called it exactly the kind of conduct they aim to instill in cadets. (Hoodline)
Voices from the Field
Larry Pickett Jr. shared afterward …
“When I saw the car with a live power line sparking, I knew I had to act — there wasn’t time to think twice.” And as the fire roared behind them, he stood guard beside the victim until first responders arrived.
ADA statement from West Point:
“Cadet Larry Pickett Jr. and his father exemplify the values we hold dear, stepping up in a moment of crisis to save a life.” ~ Athletics Director Tom Theodorakis, Army West Point Athletics
What Disabled Veterans Can Take Away …
- Courage isn’t limited to the battlefield. Instinct and training matter — but so does heart.
- Family and community matter when service expands beyond the flag.
- Living your values matters. Heroism is not a medal; it’s a moment — and these two created a moment that saved a life.
Final Thoughts as We Chase These Headlines …
In a world chasing headlines, this was a moment that felt worth stopping for. Because here was a young man who, without hesitation, chose lives over logic, service over safety. Service doesn’t clock out at midnight, and heroes wear jerseys — not capes.
For more stories of veterans living their values, visit DisabledVeterans.org.
The left hand side of the main picture for this article is the scene that we should be seeing at VHA. That’s about the only thing that’s gonna make these people stop abuses and denial of care.
Military officers aren’t s good fit for VA. They’re feel their bullshit perspectives and opinions should be validated regardless of anything, and they demand respect for nothing. Leave Captain Buzzcut to his own devices. In fact, get rid of this horrible system. The civilians are even worse. It’s like Donkey Island from Pinocchio in there. Lies, character assassination, denial of care, it’s total bullshit.
When the VHA fucks you in the ass.. they’re gonna act like it’s not happening.. and sweep anything they can under the rug. They’ll even call the cops and try to get rid of you that way, or just kick you out. It’s insane what they get away with.
Rhett Puder was a lazy, lying, incompetent man and responsible for the loss in trust and confidence in the United States government. The VA is a scam because of these fucking people.
VHA they wipe their ass with the law, intent of Congress, Constitutional rights, civil rights, they’re incompetent, they’ve denied care to tens of thousands and swept it under the rug. They encourage polical violence. They must be sued out the asshole.
Ok but whoever heard of someone just sitting there and eating a cheeseburger while they watch someone burn up in a car. Can we be serious? Anyway, lets talk about denial of care and abuse at the VHA today, and how they let even the janitor at VA make healthcare policy in the USA. Let’s talk about the lack of standards and ethics involved in this terrible system… the human rights issues.
VHA, they’ll switch from fucking around and trying to fuck people, to giving a shit because their ass is on the line legally, back to fucking people, sometimes in the same day or week. These people are atrocious and safe levels of healthcare for optimal health outcomes hasn’t been achieved regardless of how many mountains of money they’ve been given. Incompetent, burning shit ship!🔥