Veteran's Story: Alfred Rucker

At Purple Heart Homes, we are proud to provide housing solutions that honor the service and sacrifice of America's Veterans. Through our Veterans Aging in Place (VAIP) Program, and with the support of Lowe's, we recently completed a project for U.S Air Force Veteran Alfred Rucker in Statesville, North Carolina.

This project was completed as part of a Lowe's volunteer day, where nine Lowe's employees donated 56 volunteer hours to make Alfred's home safer and more accessible. In addition to volunteering, Lowe's also generously funded this project, showing their continued commitment to Veterans like Alfred.

Alfred's Service

Born in 1964, Alfred served in the U.S. Air Force from October 8, 1982, to September 30, 2004, during the Cold War, Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom eras. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Master Sergeant.

Throughout his career, Alfred earned numerous awards, including the Airman's Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle), and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

He is currently a member of the Veterans Service Organization - Veterans Advantage.

The Need

Alfred lives with multiple service-connected injuries and health conditions, including congestive heart failure, degenerative joint disease, anxiety/mood disorder, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, bursitis in the left shoulder, an artificial left hip, a plate and metal in his lower back, vertebrae replacement in his neck due to DJD, and diabetes.

These challenges made it critical to update his home for safety and accessibility. Alfred was in need of a new back deck with an ADA-compliant ramp, as well as repairs to the carport roof, which also required structural improvements. 

The Project

Led by Project Manager Lamar Austin, our team and Lowe's volunteers replaced Alfred's backyard deck, added an ADA ramp, and repaired the carport roof, including essential structural work. These improvements have made Alfred's home safer and easier to navigate, giving him peace of mind and independence.

Gratitude for Our Partners

This project would not have been possible without Lowe's. We are deeply grateful to them for both funding this project and providing dedicated employee volunteers. Their commitment to Veterans through Purple Heart Homes continues to transform lives across communities. 

Call to Action

At Purple Heart Homes, we believe no Veteran should face the challenges of aging or disability alone. Projects like Alfred's are possible only because of the dedication of partners like Lowe's, along with our donors and volunteers.

Join us in our mission today. Visit purplehearthomesusa.org to learn how you can donate, volunteer, or partner with us to help more Veterans like Alfred Rucker.

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