Veteran’s Story: Kevin Smith

in In The News, Veteran Stories, FOX Sports

In Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. Army Veteran Kevin Smith recently received home repairs through Purple Heart Homes’ Veterans Aging in Place (VAIP) Program.

Kevin, who served for 15 years and now lives with the after effects of two heart attacks and a stroke, reached out to Purple Heart Homes when his bathroom became unsafe and inaccessible — and his roof and windows began to fail. With the support of Project Manager Tim Bates, and funding from Fox Corporation and FOX Sports, Kevin’s home is now safer, more accessible, and better suited to his health needs.

A Dedicated Army Career

Born in 1959, Kevin enlisted in the United States Army and served from August 1981 to October 1996. Over his 15 years of honorable service, he earned the rank of E-4 and received multiple military honors, including: National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Badge (Rifle M-16), and Driver and Mechanic Badge with DR-ER-W Bar.

Health Challenges and Home Repairs

In recent years, Kevin has been battling the effects of two heart attacks and a stroke, which have made home mobility and safety a growing concern. His bathroom was no longer accessible, and damage to his roof and windows further threatened his ability to live independently and safely.

When Kevin reached out to Purple Heart Homes, our team quickly recognized that multiple repairs were needed to ensure he could remain in his home and maintain his quality of life.

How Purple Heart Homes Helped

Through the Veterans Aging in Place Program, Purple Heart Homes addressed Kevin’s needs by: renovating and repairing the bathroom, making it accessible and safe for his mobility limitations, repairing the roof to eliminate leaks and prevent further structural damage, and replacing old windows to improve insulation, functionality, and energy efficiency.

Project Manager Tim Bates led the effort to complete these repairs efficiently and with care, ensuring every upgrade would improve Kevin’s daily life.

Grateful for Our Partners

This project was made possible through the support of our trusted partners: Fox Corporation and FOX Sports.

Their ongoing commitment to honoring Veterans and giving back to communities in need continues to make a direct, tangible impact. Thanks to their partnership, Kevin’s home is now not only structurally improved, but a more comfortable and secure place to age in place with dignity. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to this mission.

Our Mission in Action

Purple Heart Homes is dedicated to helping aging and disabled Veterans live with dignity, safety, and independence. For Kevin Smith, these improvements were more than just repairs — they were a lifeline.

Special thanks to Project Manager Tim Bates, Fox Corporation, and FOX Sports for their partnership on this project.

Help us serve more Veterans like Kevin. Donate, volunteer, or share a story. Every act of support makes a difference.

[Get Involved Today » Ways to Give]