Values-In Action Profile: Purple Heart Homes

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.  

Returning home with prosthetic legs, Dale Beatty would use a wheelchair to rest his limbs and avoid sores.  He struggled through skinned knuckles from going through narrow hallways and doorways and frustrations getting in and out of the tub and bathroom.  When his community rallied around him, with The Iredell Builders Association and other community members gathering to build a barrier free handicap accessible home, Beatty served as the general contractor, working side-by-side with his friend and war buddy John Gallina. 

With Gallina’s years of homebuilding experience, the two men soon recognized they had the right skills and a desire to help those less fortunate than them, and in 2008, Purple Heart Homes became a reality.  “As they have aged, injuries experienced fighting for our country have made it especially difficult for older veterans to climb steps without pain, or if bound to a wheelchair difficult to navigate through the narrow doors and hallways in their older homes,” said Beatty.

When Dale and John were reintegrated into their communities, they were humbled by the number of people who would come up to them to thank them for their service and sacrifice.  They were grateful for the appreciation, but both felt that all veterans that served in all wars should also be thanked the same and not be forgotten.

“It is Purple Heart Homes honor, to assist all veterans and their family caregivers who have had our backs and been tragically wounded while fighting for our nation’s freedom,” said Co-founder Gallina.

With a bond of friendship, service, courage and leadership as their foundation, these two combat wounded Veterans are bringing the power of community and compassion to make a difference in the lives of Service Connected Disabled Veterans from all conflicts.