Veteran Story: Dustin Thompson

At Purple Heart Homes, our mission is simple and deeply personal: to ensure Veterans have a safe place to call home. Through our Veterans Aging in Place (VAIP) program, we work alongside communities, partners, and volunteers to remove barriers at home so Veterans can live with dignity, safety, and peace of mind.

In Statesville, North Carolina, we were honored to serve U.S. Army veteran Dustin Thompson, whose home received critical exterior improvements that will protect both his safety and long-term well-being.

A Life of Service

Dustin served in the United States Army from 2005 to 2010 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, reaching the rank of E-4. Like many Veterans, his service came with lasting impacts. Dustin lives with 100% disability, including shoulder and ankle injuries as well as PTSD.

Today, he remains connected to the Veteran community as an active member of the American Legion, continuing his commitment to service even after his time in uniform.

Creating a Safer Home

As part of Dustin's VAIP project, Purple Heart Homes completed a deck replacement, along with gutter replacement designed to protect the new deck and extend its lifespan. These updates help ensure the exterior of the home remains safe, functional, and protected from future damage.

While the improvements may appear simple, they play a vital role in supporting Dustin's daily life by reducing safety risks and helping maintain a stable home environment.

Community in Action

This project was made possible through the dedication of nine volunteers, who contributed 72 total volunteer hours to support Dustin and his family.

We are grateful for the generosity of our community partners:

• Kolpin Electric
• Good Guys Home Solutions, who also provided a $200 in-kind donation

This project was funded in part through the support of Lowe's, whose continued commitment helps make life-changing home improvements possible for Veterans across the country.

Standing With Our Veterans

Projects like Dustin's remind us that honoring service does not end when the uniform comes off. It continues through action, partnership, and community support.

Purple Heart Homes is proud to stand beside Veterans like Dustin, ensuring their homes are places of safety, comfort, and stability. With every project, we reaffirm our promise that no Veteran is forgotten at home.

If you would like to support our mission or learn more about the Veterans Aging in Place program, we invite you to join us as we continue serving those who have served us all.

[WAYS TO GIVE]