LAKE WORTH, FL -- He fought for our country and found the biggest fight of his life when he returned home. Roy Foster once rested at rock bottom but has since picked himself up and dusted off. His story of survival has gained national recognition by inspiring thousands of local veterans.
There's no mistaking 4309 Davis Street in Lake Worth where old glory flies outside and healing begins on the inside.
"We are with homeless veterans that have substance abuse issues," says Foster.
The retired US Army veteran won't make any excuses for the past behavior of thousands of men who have stepped inside Stand Down House. A place where vets without a home and without hope can reestablish themselves in their community. A fancy way of saying this.
"I've completed something and I'm accepted again," says Foster.
Nearly 1,500 vets have been blessed to meet this 54 year old who cleaned himself up years ago from the horror of alcoholism and reached out to help the men he once relied on in wartime. When he finally opened these doors nine years ago, only one thing stared him in the face.
"The depths of the joy is immeasurable because to see our vets walking with their heads up high that's the reward," says Foster.
From food to clothing, this program covers everything and standing over them is one man who once struggled to begin each day. Now a father figure who works day and night to make sure each of his men has respect and value in their life. A polished symbol of pride just like the day they stood at attention and gave an oath to their country. Now they get to relive that feeling all over again with one man saluting them.
"I consider myself a dedicated person to a cause and that is to be able to share what I've learned in my 19 years of sobriety."
Some people would consider roy foster a hero for what he has done for our veterans and CNN agrees. Foster is among an elite group of 10 finalists who needs your vote to become CNN's hero of the year. Click here for the link to vote!
