STATESVILLE, N.C. — The co-founder of Purple Heart Homes has died, according to the organization's Facebook page.
“It is with a heavy heart, that we inform you of the sudden passing of our beloved co-Founder, Dale Beatty,” the Facebook post reads. “None of the family, staff or friends were prepared for this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dale's wife and family.”
Beatty and John Gallina started the nonprofit organization in 2008.
The charity aims to help veterans from all wars.
"The older veterans need just as much focus on their needs as younger veterans do," Beatty told Channel 9 in 2011.
Beatty and Gallina joined the North Carolina National Guard in 1996. In November 2004, their Humvee was blown up by an anti-tank mine. As a result, Beatty lost both his legs and Gallina suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Purple Heart Homes' mission statement: "Purple Heart Homes is dedicated to providing housing for service-connected disabled veterans that is substantial in function, design and quality fit to welcome home the fighting men and women of America."
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