STATESVILLE, N.C., Feb. 28, 2011 — Purple Heart Homes Co-founders Dale Beatty and John Gallina, two severely injured veterans from the Iraq War, applaud President Obama and the first lady for launching the "Strengthening Our Military Families" initiative. Both feel, however, that the initiative falls short by limiting the campaign focus only on the less than 1 percent of Americans who served in our nation's military from September 11, 2001 (see: http://www.phhnc.org or http://www.facebook.com/purplehearthomes).
"It is a huge disservice to not include the 3.4 million service connected disabled veterans that fought in all wars," says Dale Beatty, Co-founder of Purple Heart Homes. "I am a double amputee. Is my losing my legs during the Iraq War any different than a veteran that served in Vietnam, Korea, WWII, or any other conflict where injury was sustained?"
In addition, families taking care of all service connected veterans shoulder the burden of responsibility. According to a national study conducted by the National Alliance of Caregivers in a November 2010, "caregivers of Vietnam veterans are the most numerous at 42%. Over 61% of caregivers are at least 50 years old and 12% are 65 or older."
"The initiative launched by President Obama and the First Lady asks companies, non-profits and volunteers to help our military families," said John Gallina, Co-founder of Purple Heart Homes. "We feel the initiative should be expanded to include all Service Connected Disabled Veterans, enabling more organizations, companies, communities and interested volunteers to become involved," Gallina added. Both Gallina and Beatty know from their experience that if you ask the community to help with a project for a Service Connected Disabled Veteran – they show up with an open heart and hammer in hand.
Purple Heart Homes (see: http://www.phhnc.org) has reached across the generational divide to help make life easier for older veterans that have aged in place in their homes. "As they have aged, injuries they experienced fighting for our country have made it more difficult for older veterans to climb steps without pain, or they are bound to a wheel chair in their older homes with narrow doors and hallways," said co-founder John Gallina. All Purple Heart Homes projects are made possible by generous donations of money, time, materials and community-minded volunteers so there is no cost to the veteran or their family. Beatty and Gallina have found that many older veterans that need home modifications do not want to ask for help.
Recently Purple Heart Homes helped service connected disabled Vietnam veteran Dave Morrell, age 63, who volunteered to serve three tours of duty in the US Army Special Forces from 1967-1969. Morrell, like many Vietnam Veterans answering the call of duty, was exposed to Agent Orange. He now has diabetes and heart problems. Morrell had his left leg amputated. He was fitted with a prosthetic leg and his right leg is beginning to cause him problems as well. "Getting around with a walker in my house is a struggle for me," said Dave Morrell. "I suffered with my disability for 20 years with constant pain before I finally had my leg amputated. Words cannot express the tremendous gratitude I have for Purple Heart Homes for recognizing the disabilities Vietnam veterans like myself must deal with on a daily basis," said Morrell.
Purple Heart Homes engages volunteers and members from the community to help build ramps, widen doorways or build a new bedroom onto an existing bedroom that is then converted into a handicap accessible bathroom and laundry allowing for freedom of movement in the comfort of home.
"As injured veterans ourselves, we have a greater appreciation and understanding for the sacrifices made by those that served before us who need not only what Purple Heart Homes does, but also the support and recognition for all disabled veterans and their families who are caring for them," said Dale Beatty. "We urge President Obama to expand the Strengthen Our Military Families initiative to include all Service Connected Disabled Veterans," Beatty added.
Both Gallina and Beatty co-founded Purple Heart Homes, a veteran owned and veteran operated non-profit in 2008 with a mission dedicated to providing housing adaptations that are substantial in function, design and quality, and fit to welcome home the fighting men and women of America — no matter where or when they served. All modifications and adaptations are made at no cost to the disabled veteran. For information, call 704-838-4044 or go to http://www.phhnc.org
Contacts:
Dale Beatty, Co-founder, Purple Heart Homes – 704-450-5353
John Gallina, Co-founder, Purple Heart Homes – 980-721-4714
Vicki Thomas, Media Relations – 203-984-2138
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