"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
There's an understanding in the military that you never leave a fallen comrade in the field.
But what happens when our injured vets come home and have to deal with civilian life again?
Two young Statesville men, best buddies and members of the North Carolina National Guard, found out the hard way when the Humvee they were driving in Iraq was blown up by a land mine.
Dale Beatty lost parts of both legs, and John Gallina suffered severe head trauma and other injuries.
Upon their return to the States, the local homebuilders' association in Statesville offered to build a modest home for Dale designed with a double amputee in mind.
Dale and John both worked on the home and found that pounding nails and sawing wood was therapeutic for them.
Inspired by their neighbors' generosity and support, Dale and John founded "Purple Heart Homes" – an organization which retrofits houses and businesses for other handicapped vets….like this access ramp at Richard's Coffee Shop in Mooresville.
Their determination and dedication to their comrades-in-arms recently landed them on the cover of Time Magazine as part of "The NEW Greatest Generation."
A shining example of how we can all help each other in troubled times.
For service above and beyond the call of duty, we salute Dale Beatty and John Gallina.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
