Highly-decorated Vietnam War veteran Jack Leeds, a man in his late twenties, earned awards for his bravery and fighting expertise in the war, but after being discharged from the U.S. Army, he has trouble adjusting to civilian life. Suffering from manic depression, he has trouble finding employment. After the tragic death of his parents in a car crash, the only family he knows is military men and women. Regularly speeding through traffic to get to a truck stop for breakfast, he seeks to relieve his loneliness and replete his hunger for human interaction.

History professor Bill Verde and his wife, Millie, learning about Jack from one of Bill's colleagues and agree to help him get back on his feet. The married couple's mission in life had become taking care of down-and-out persons, finding value in each person they help. How would Jack have them find his value?

When Jack utilizes the skills and discipline he acquired in Vietnam and thwarts a robbery at a neighborhood store, people begin to see him as a more responsible citizen. How will Jack respond so that he can create the fresh start that he desires? Will he again know Christmas joy?