Beer Trekkers Kick-off 2022 hosting Dale Beatty Memorial 5K Run: Register Now
When we were asked to partner with Purple Heart Homes as the site host for their Spring 5K fundraiser, we couldn’t think of a better way to reboot our Run Club for the season. On March 12th at 10am, our Beer Trekkers and the greater Lake Norman community will gather to run with a purpose to support the mission of Purple Heart Homes in honor of Dale Beatty, co- founder of the organization, who lost his life in 2018.
We sat down with John Gallina, co-founder and CEO of Purple Heart Homes to talk about the work they do, the upcoming 5K and his battle buddy, Dale Beatty.
Q: Tell us about Purple Heart Homes?
A: Dale and I founded PPH in 2008, after returning from Iraq where we were both wounded in combat. Purple Heart Homes fills the gaps in housing through the Veterans’ Aging In Place and Veterans Home Opportunity Programs. From building a ramp for a Veteran of World War II, to providing home ownership opportunities to younger Veterans, our programs are designed out of necessity and fit the specific needs of the Veteran population.
Q: Tell us about the 5K and what inspired it?
A: It started as a tribute Dale who died in 2018. He was a double amputee and we wanted a way to honor him and at same time continue the mission and work we do. We moved the run to Cornelius this year to connect to a larger running community. Runners can register here.
Q: What do you hope the awareness will inspire people to do?
A: That’s a great question… my answer is two-fold:
1). I want people to have an understanding of challenges that our veterans face and a greater understanding of general mobility. We take for granted our mobility – walking, running and simple things. Pandemic has brought a greater awareness of what it’s like to be trapped in their home. Lack of a ramp, etc.
·2). When a vet returns from combat there’s a need for the community to support them when they come home. Many Vietnam vets have still not been welcomed home – these words mean acceptance. It’s a powerful life changing concept. To know that people appreciate, accept and are grateful for their service brings mental peace.
Q: What would you say to your Battle Buddy today?
A: I’d tell him that were making a difference but the world is changing. We’ve been able to expand this idea of bringing a community together to thank a veteran in a way that has touched thousands of people lives.
Q: What’s the focus of Purple Heart Homes in 2022?
A: We’re continuing to grow the Tiny Home program. There’s a significant need for support to house individuals that are homeless or housing insecure. We received manufacturing certification and are looking for professional to help build. We also have job openings and open to all types of mentoring for our staff and as an org as a whole.
We’re open to working with professional organizations that can help us with efforts like our website, SEO, etc. and we’re looking for Board members, something they feel they can bring to table to support vets. [Here’s the link to volunteer and the link to donate to this important cause.