Local homeless vet lands job, thanks to strangers
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A homeless Vietnam veteran just landed a job following an incredible chain of events.
Ronald Woods has spent the last three months living in his truck in a local shopping center, but now he’s one step closer to having a roof over his head.
“The last time I worked was ten months ago,” he said.
The 75-year-old has spent almost a year searching for a job.
“A lot of people when they look at you and they know your age, they don't even want to give you a chance," Woods said. "Which to me is ridiculous because I got a lot of experience. I’ve been in construction for 51 years."
With no job, he ended up living out of his truck with his dog.
Just when life seemed unfair, Catherine Padilla hired him to move a mattress from her storage unit to her house.
“I was horrified. Someone serving our country honorably should not be living in a shopping center,” Padilla said.
Padilla, whose two sons served in the military, took to social media and shared Woods story.
The post touched Alyssa McVeigh, the daughter of an U.S. Army colonel and the owner of a restoration company called All Dry USA.
“He showed up clean cut, resume in hand, smile on his face and patiently waiting,” she said.
By the end of the day, Woods had a full-time job.
“People talk a lot, but don’t really help a lot," he said. "These guys here are the real McCoy."
Woods said he wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the strangers who took a chance on a homeless vet.
“I think I am just a lucky guy that ran into the right people,” he said.
Woods said he is going to look at a place Tuesday night in hopes he’ll soon be off the streets.
