Mission Complete: A New Beginning for 92-Year-Old Veteran Fred Rash

Last Updated 1/28/2025 • Posted in Mission Complete

This past Friday, January 17, Purple Heart Homes proudly demonstrated its mission to honor Veterans by providing a housing solution for a Veteran in need. The Mission Complete Ceremony marked the completion of a tiny home built for 92-year-old U.S. Army Veteran Fred Rash, who faces significant health challenges, including Macular Degeneration, which has severely affected his vision.

The Mission Complete Ceremony was attended by community members, partners, volunteers, and several distinguished guest speakers, including N.C. Senator Vickie Sawyer, N.C. Representative Jeff McNeely, and Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh. Each speaker emphasized the same key message: the importance of home. This tiny home represents a safe haven for Fred Rash, allowing him to remain close to his family while preserving his independence.

“Mr. Rash is a perfect example of a Veteran who served his country with honor. Purple Heart Homes, along with our community of volunteers, supporters and the N.C. State Legislature is committed to meeting his needs. Together, we’re ensuring that he – and all Veterans – can live their best lives! Thank you to everyone who has supported Mr. Rash and all of our Veterans and their families,” said John Gallina, Co-Founder and CEO of Purple Heart Homes.

We want to extend our gratitude to the North Carolina General Assembly and our local legislators for their unwavering support. The collaboration between our lawmakers and local leaders ensures that we can continue to make progress. Together, we are creating a stronger, more resilient future for all North Carolinians and Veterans alike.

About Purple Heart Homes

Co-founded by two combat-wounded Veterans, Purple Heart Homes has been bringing communities together to provide safe, barrier-free housing solutions for qualified Veterans since its founding in 2008. A nonprofit organization based in Statesville, N.C., PHH supports service-connected disabled and senior Veterans from all eras across the continental U.S., Hawaii and Puerto Rico through a growing network of local chapters. Programs include critical home repairs and renovations to help Veterans live independently in their homes, home ownership programs, and transitional housing through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations. Learn more at phhusa.org.