Veteran Story: Leroy Harvey

Born in 1948, Leroy answered the call to serve during one of the most challenging periods in American history. From 1966 to 1970, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. As a combat engineer, Leroy faced dangerous and demanding conditions to support his fellow Marines in the field.

His commitment and character were reflected in the distinctions he earned during his time in uniform. Leroy received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal. He completed his service at the rank of Lance Corporal.

Today, Leroy calls Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina home. Like many aging Veterans, he reached a point when his housing no longer met his basic needs for safety and stability. Through our Modular Home Solutions program, Purple Heart Homes was able to step in and provide Leroy with a new beginning. Leroy received one of our modular home units, designed to offer a safe, functional, and comfortable living environment tailored to his needs.

This project would not have been possible without the support of several committed partners. Operation Command provided a generous donation to help fund the construction of Leroy's modular home. A North Carolina grant also played a vital role in bringing this project to completion. In addition, a team of Red Vest Associates from Lowe's spent the day on-site performing landscaping, yard clean up, and property enhancements to ensure Leroy's new home was move-in ready and welcoming. 

To honor Leroy's service and celebrate the completion of his new home, Purple Heart Homes hosted a Mission Complete ceremony with partners, supporters, and community members in attendance. These celebrations are special, offering a moment to pause, reflect, and recognize the difference that safe housing can make in the life of a Veteran. For Leroy, it marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with renewed comfort, stability, and peace.

Read more about Leroy's Mission Complete here:

[Vietnam veteran receives home from volunteers]

At Purple Heart Homes, we believe every Veteran deserves a safe place to call home. Leroy's story serves as a reminder of why we do this work and why continued partnership is essential. Because when we come together, we can transform lives and ensure that those who served our country are never forgotten at home.

Join Us This Holiday Season

Leroy's story is one example of the life-changing impact your support can create. As we continue our Hearts for the Holidays campaign, we are working to raise critical funds that will allow us to complete more projects like this for Veterans across the country. Your generosity helps provide ramps, home repairs, accessibility modifications, and safe housing solutions for those who once stood in service to us.

This holiday season, we invite you to be a part of our mission. Give today, spread the word, and help us ensure that more Veterans begin the new year with hope, stability, and a place the can truly call home.

[Learn more about the Hearts for the Holidays Campaign]