Veteran Story: Charley Burgess Jr.
When Purple Heart Homes first met Specialist (SPC) Charley Burgess Jr., it was clear that his story was one of strength, perseverance, and quiet courage. Born in 1969, Charley served in the United States Army from 1994 to 1996 during the Gulf War era. As an M1 Armor Crewman, he carried out his duties with dedication and excellence, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Expert Qualification Badge, for the M9MM, and the Expert Qualification Badge for Hand Grenade.
After his service, life presented new battles. Today, Charley is service-connected disabled and faces significant health challenges, including a double bypass, breathing issues, and lasting knee and ankle injuries. These conditions made daily task difficult, particularly entering and exiting his home and safely using his bathroom.
By the time his project began, the deck at his home in Belton, South Carolina was deteriorating and unsafe. His bathroom also lacked the accessibility he needed to move confidently and independently.
A Project Rooted in Gratitude
From July to August 2025, the Purple Heart Homes team, alongside the Golden Corner Chapter, came together to honor Charley's service in a meaningful way. Thanks to the support from The Home Depot Foundation, PHH repaired and stabilized his failing deck, restored safe entry and exit to his home, and completed important accessibility upgrades in his bathroom.
While the work completed was practical and necessary, the heart of this project was much deeper. For PHH, it was a privilege to give back to a man who gave so much for his country. For the volunteers and chapter members, it was a chance to step forward for a Veteran who had quietly carried the weight of service long after his uniform came off. And for Charley and the four members living in his home, these changes mean renewed safety, dignity, and peace of mind.
A Home That Supports His Daily Life
Today, Charley can navigate his home more comfortably. His bathroom offers the accessibility he needs to manage his health safely, and his deck is no longer a barrier but a safe connection to the outside world. These improvements don't just change the structure of a home, they change the rhythm of daily life.
A Mission That Continues
Purple Heart Homes exists with one purpose: to honor those who served by ensuring service-connected disabled Veterans have safe, dignified place to call home. Every project, whether a ramp, a repair, an accessible upgrade, or a full renovation, represents our values of compassion, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and respect.
And every project begins with a simple truth: no Veteran should be left behind at home.
Call to Action: Stand With Us in Serving Veterans
Across the country, more Veterans like Charley are waiting for essential home repairs and accessibility modifications, needs that directly affect their safety, health, and independence. Purple Heart Homes is committed to serving them, but we cannot do it alone.
Join us in our mission. Your support, whether through donations, partnerships, or volunteerism, helps ensure that every Veteran has a safe place to call home.
Together, we can make sure our nation's heroes are never forgotten and never left behind.
