Joshua Dickey

Joshua Dickey had the opportunity to attend Auburn University on a full scholarship for track & field and football. However, after the events of 9/11 took place, he decided to enlist in the Army where he could still receive an education while serving our country.

In 2001, Josh completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. From there, he continued his training at Fort Lee, VA. Josh served the following three years as a Specialist in Iraq, where he sustained severe PTSD, TBI, and Crohn’s Disease. He required medical assistance in Germany before spending six weeks at Walter Reed. Josh was medically retired in 2004.

The transition back to civilian life was primarily negative. Josh battled with severe depression that led him down a path of drug abuse. In 2005, he met Valerie, who became his girlfriend and helped Josh back onto his feet to seek treatment. Valerie worked diligently over the course of two years to get Josh the help that he needed. In 2008, the two married and settled in Bogart, Georgia, where they live with their three precious dogs.

Life for Josh becomes more positive with each day that passes. Josh volunteers his time helping other Veterans, so much so that he serves as a Peer Mentor for Veterans who fall on hard times. Valerie shared with us, “Josh feels the most at home while he’s helping other Veterans. He wants to do everything possible to prevent other Veterans from going down a dark path.”

Due to his health conditions, Josh struggles to regulate his body temperature, which means that his house needs to be kept very cold at all times. Purple Heart Homes provided Josh and Valerie with a new A.C. unit that better serves Josh’s needs. Additionally, Purple Heart Homes rebuilt their back porch to make it safer and repaired their back fence so that their dogs can roam safely in their backyard.

Valerie explained to us, “We are overwhelmed by the love and support from Purple Heart Homes. These renovations have lifted a huge burden from us.” We are grateful for the support that you give Josh, Valerie, and for the dedication that Josh has for his country and fellow Veterans!

Joshua Dickey had the opportunity to attend Auburn University on a full scholarship for track & field and football. However, after the events of 9/11 took place, he decided to enlist in the Army where he could still receive an education while serving our country.

In 2001, Josh completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. From there, he continued his training at Fort Lee, VA. Josh served the following three years as a Specialist in Iraq, where he sustained severe PTSD, TBI, and Crohn’s Disease. He required medical assistance in Germany before spending six weeks at Walter Reed. Josh was medically retired in 2004.

The transition back to civilian life was primarily negative. Josh battled with severe depression that led him down a path of drug abuse. In 2005, he met Valerie, who became his girlfriend and helped Josh back onto his feet to seek treatment. Valerie worked diligently over the course of two years to get Josh the help that he needed. In 2008, the two married and settled in Bogart, Georgia, where they live with their three precious dogs.

Life for Josh becomes more positive with each day that passes. Josh volunteers his time helping other Veterans, so much so that he serves as a Peer Mentor for Veterans who fall on hard times. Valerie shared with us, “Josh feels the most at home while he’s helping other Veterans. He wants to do everything possible to prevent other Veterans from going down a dark path.”

Due to his health conditions, Josh struggles to regulate his body temperature, which means that his house needs to be kept very cold at all times. Purple Heart Homes provided Josh and Valerie with a new A.C. unit that better serves Josh’s needs. Additionally, Purple Heart Homes rebuilt their back porch to make it safer and repaired their back fence so that their dogs can roam safely in their backyard.

Valerie explained to us, “We are overwhelmed by the love and support from Purple Heart Homes. These renovations have lifted a huge burden from us.” We are grateful for the support that you give Josh, Valerie, and for the dedication that Josh has for his country and fellow Veterans!