When Vietnam Veteran Kevin Smith rolls onto his new handicap accessible ramp and deck in his wheelchair, he knows he’s been given “a hand-up, versus a hand-out.” 

Within two weeks following surgery to amputate his leg above his knee, resulting from a roadside bombing in Iraq, Cory Collins was able to return to a remodeled first floor of his home, in a barrier free accessible environment.  Now he’s part of his family’s daily life, taking care of his four children while his wife is at work. 

These are just two of the many Veterans whose lives are changed because of Dale Beatty and John Gallina, Purple Hearts recipients who served our country together in Iraq as part of the National Guard

After recognizing the difficulties that many older veterans were having getting around their homes, they realized they could take care of this unmet need by adapting or modifying veterans’ homes. North Carolina-based Purple Heart Homes was created, partnering with communities to provide personalized housing solutions. 

But their story is not just that of a non-profit that provides an outstanding and necessary service to the community; the heart and commitment behind this organization is what makes it truly unique and special. Dale and John bring a firsthand experience and compassion to the work they do for disabled Veterans, because they were both severely wounded during a roadside mine explosion in Iraq in 2005, and have had long and challenging recoveries themselves.