Dale Beatty, a National Guardsman who lost both of his legs after a landmine explosion in northern Iraq, was able to build a wheelchair-accessible home through the help of the Iredell County Builders Association and volunteers. With John Gallina, a friend and building contractor who also served in the National Guard and was with him in the Humvee, Beatty founded Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit that modifies or helps provide homes for disabled veterans, which has helped 30 disabled veterans so far. The organization will assist any disabled service member who was wounded during military service, regardless of the war they served in.
How Purple Heart Homes Helped Kevin Smith:
Kevin Smith is a Vietnam veteran from Newton, North Carolina, who suffered knee and back injuries in an accident aboard an aircraft carrier. For decades, he endured dozens of operations and gradually became more reclusive – in part because he was afraid of falling down his front steps, which didn’t have a handrail.
“For 35 years, no one cared,” Smith said.
But when Purple Heart Homes built a wheelchair ramp in front of his home, it changed his life. The physical improvements made it easier for him to move about safely, and the goodwill gesture deeply touched Smith.
“(They) made me realize that I had value and worth and that I meant something,” he said.
Now Smith socializes frequently with his neighbors and other veterans. He says it’s all because of Purple Heart Homes.
“They jump-started me back into life … (and) said welcome home,” Smith said, tearfully. “It’s great to be home after 40 years.”
The why:
For Beatty and Gallina, their work is about giving all veterans the same level of respect.
“Regardless of when you served, where you served … we’re all the same,” Beatty said. “They just need to know that somebody does care about them.
“We wouldn’t leave someone behind on the battlefield. Why would we do it at home?”
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2013/02/14/us/cnnheroes-beatty-veterans-homes
Check out the Purple Heart Homes website at purplehearthomesusa.org
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