Decorated Soldier Found Living In Park Receives Helping Hand

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — A decorated soldier who spiraled out of control and has been living on the streets has received a helping hand.

Jack Reilley, 68, had been sleeping in a park with a little more than a suitcase and was in need of a helping hand, deputies say.

"He was definitely just on a cardboard box that was cut in half and he was laying in the park along a building. Cold and hard at night on him," said Mike Jones, a deputy Sheriff with San Bernardino County.

After talking with him for a few minutes, Jones learned something very special about Reilley:

"He served in Vietnam. Was a combat vet and had several medals awarded to him," he said.

Jones also learned Reilley once owned a pizza shop. But in 2010 when his wife died, Reilley says he picked up the bottle and gave up on life.

"I just let things fall apart but I'm ready to get them back together now," Reilley said.

Reilley said his family has tried to help him in the past but now the county has stepped in with their program to help end homelessness and he's ready for change.

"I slept better last night than I have in a month," said Reilley, who has received housing.

Give him three months and Reilley says he'll be a different man.