CNN Hero Dale Beatty is the co-founder of Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit that has helped build or modify homes for dozens of disabled U.S. veterans.
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Making life easier for disabled veterans —
Beatty lost both of his legs while he was serving in Iraq eight years ago. He was injured when his Humvee hit an anti-tank land mine.
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Making life easier for disabled veterans —
Now Beatty has dedicated his life to helping other disabled veterans across the United States. "There's thousands of veterans right here in our midst," Beatty said. "People don't realize the need that's out there."
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Making life easier for disabled veterans —
Purple Heart Homes, using donated labor and materials, will help any disabled veteran who is a homeowner. All repairs are free.
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Making life easier for disabled veterans —
Simple projects, such as adding ramps or renovating bathrooms, can make a big difference for veterans and their caregivers.
Benjamin Lowy/Reportage by Getty Images for CNN
Making life easier for disabled veterans —
Beatty believes that working with community members makes a big difference to veterans, who can often feel isolated and socially withdrawn.
Benjamin Lowy/Reportage by Getty Images for CNN
Making life easier for disabled veterans —
Beatty started Purple Heart Homes along with his "battle buddy" John Gallina. They pooled their disability payments to help other veterans in need.
Benjamin Lowy/Reportage by Getty Images for CNN
Making life easier for disabled veterans —
"When you have people saying thank you (by coming) to your home to swing a hammer and paint a wall, it says something different than shaking your hand and buying you a drink," Gallina said.
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Making life easier for disabled veterans —
Since 2008, Purple Heart Homes has helped build or modify homes for 30 disabled veterans. More than 100 additional projects are approved and in the pipeline.
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Making life easier for disabled veterans —
"My great-grandfather was in World War I, grandfather was in World War II, my dad was in Vietnam. I've seen the uniforms hanging in the closets," Beatty said. "Other people have no connection. ... (We want) to just open people's eyes."
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Making life easier for disabled veterans —
Beatty poses for a photo in his hometown of Statesville, North Carolina.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Making life easier for disabled veterans —
"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."
