Purple Heart Homes (PHH) was founded in 2008 by Veterans and friends John Gallina and the late Dale Beatty. The two served together in Iraq and suffered life-changing injuries during combat. Returning home to Statesville, North Carolina, the community provided a warm welcome and celebrated their return. The genuine spirit of appreciation for their service was apparent, and this sparked questions.
- Why don’t all Veterans receive the same level of support?
- As time wears on, do people forget?
- Is there a grace period people have until life should just get back to normal?
- What happens when injuries prevent going back to normal?
Questions like these prompted the conversations that led to the founding of PHH. John and Dale didn’t want this feeling of support and recognition to wear off. The support provided by PHH reaches Veterans of all eras. No Veteran should be left behind or forgotten. We make a difference by providing peace of mind and a higher quality of life to qualifying Veterans of all eras.
PHH Timeline
2004
A Tragedy on the Battlefield
In Iraq, John Gallina and Dale Beatty’s Humvee struck an anti-tank mine, leaving Dale a double amputee below the knees and John with severe back injuries, a traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
2005
Returning Home
Dale and John returned home.
2008
A New Mission
John and Dale founded Purple Heart Homes.
2010
Forward Progress
The 1st Purple Heart Homes project was completed.
2014
A Group Effort
Purple Heart Homes completes the construction of its first full home in collaboration with four other charities.
2014
Our Model for Growth
The Purple Hears Homes chapter model was developed and our first two chapters were formed. We have since grown to over 20 Chapters.
2016
A Milestone Achievement
The 100th Purple Heart Homes project was completed.
2016
Showing Heart
The Hearts of Honor monthly giving club was established.
2017
Continued Growth
Purple Heart Homes continues to grow and the organization moves into a new warehouse and office facility.
2017
Celebrating Another Milestone
The 300th Purple Heart Homes project was completed.
2018
Wounded Homecoming
“Wounded Homecoming: The Uphill Journey of Wounded Veterans from Battlefield to Homefront” book published.
2018
A Decade of Impact
Purple Heart Homes celebrates its 10th anniversary.
2018
Gone But Not Forgotten
Dale Beatty passes away unexpectedly.
2019
The Mission Continues
Purple Heart Homes’ 500th Veteran project was completed.
2020
Tiny Home. Huge Impact.
Purple Heart Homes builds its first tiny house and the new home is provided to a Veteran.
2021
Celebrating 750
The 750th Purple Heart Homes project was completed.
2021
Hitting the Airwaves
“Putting the Pieces Back Together” radio show launched.
2022
A Monumental Milestone
The 1,000th Purple Heart Homes project was completed.
2022
We’re Certified!
Purple Heart Homes obtained tiny home manufacturing certification in North Carolina.