LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Purple Heart Homes, and its co-founders
Dale Beatty and John Gallina for their dedicated service to the veterans
in their community and the State of New York

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Purple Heart Homes, and its co-founders Dale Beatty and John Gallina for
their dedicated service to the veterans in their community and the State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, Dale Beatty and John Gallina were deployed in January 2004,
for a tour with the National Guard Readiness NCO for the Statesville
Unit; and
WHEREAS, Both were deployed to Iraq in 2004 in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom where their unit was attached directly to the 1st Infantry
Division near Bayji, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, On November 15, 2004, while on a patrol route highly littered
with active insurgent operations, the vehicle Dale Beatty was riding in
was hit by antitank mines; the explosion was so severe, it left him a
double amputee below the knees; and
WHEREAS, Dale Beatty spent over a year at Walter Reed Army Medical
Center learning how to walk using prosthetic legs; when he returned
home, there were no ramps, elevations, wide doorways or roll-in showers,
all of which contribute to making his life as an amputee truly a chal-
lenge; and
WHEREAS, The Iredell Homes Builders Association and many members from
the community from Statesville, North Carolina as well as surrounding
areas, in an outpouring of support, built a specially adapted barrier
free home for the Beatty family; and
WHEREAS, As a result of all the support from his community, Dale Beat-
ty and his fellow soldier John Gallina wanted to help other Service
Connected Disabled Veterans with their housing solutions; together they
co-founded Purple Heart Homes with funds from their disability checks to
help veterans and their caregivers who served in the military; and
WHEREAS, Their journey together is one of friendship, service, courage
and leadership; their shared experiences have created a strong sense of
community and have instilled in them a humanitarian spirit to give back
and make a difference in the lives of Service Connected Disabled Veter-
ans of all conflicts; and
WHEREAS, Currently, the Purple Heart Homes organization is made up of
volunteers and professionals who share a common belief and a common
desire to give back to those who have given so much for their country;
and
WHEREAS, Purple Heart Homes offers two distinct programs for Service
Connected Disabled Veterans and their caregivers of all conflicts, the
Veterans Aging in Place and the Veteran Home Ownership programs; and
WHEREAS, The Veterans Aging in Place Program is specifically designed
to help older Service Connected Disabled Veterans and their caregivers
who currently own their own home; and

WHEREAS, The Veteran Home Ownership Program is specifically designed
to enable Service Connected Disabled Veterans who do not already own a
home, become homeowners; and
WHEREAS, The goal of both programs is to help reintegrate veterans
into the community in which they live, and to proudly acknowledge the
sacrifice they have made on their country's behalf; and
WHEREAS, Whether it is adapting an already owned home, building a home
from the ground up, or adapting and modifying a foreclosed home, Purple
Heart Homes is committed to guiding the veteran through the entire proc-
ess; and
WHEREAS, The ultimate goal of Purple Heart Homes is to empower the
veteran, giving him or her a full complement of skill sets which enables
them to be a functioning member of their family, as well as a contribut-
ing member of their community; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
Dale Beatty and John Gallina have demonstrated their love for their
country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their State and
Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Purple Heart Homes, and its co-founders Dale Beatty and John
Gallina for their dedicated service to the veterans in their community
and the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dale Beatty and John Gallina.