Veteran Story: Billy Ray Ricketts III
He Checked on Everyone Else First
When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, Marine Veteran Billy Ray Ricketts III did what he has always done. He checked on everyone else first. Even as the storm destroyed his own home in Swannanoa, Billy was out making sure his friends were safe. A friend from Valley Strong Disaster Relief remembered it this way: "Billy was the first one to check on us, and we didn't even know his own house had collapsed. He is one of my best friends, I love him to death, and I'm glad we got to help him."
A Marine Who Already Gave So Much
Billy served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On May 4, 2006, he was wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq, and he still carries the lasting effects of his injuries. He came home, gave himself to his neighbors, and asked for nothing in return.
What Helene Took
When Helene swept through in the fall of 2024, a tree came down on Billy's home, and he lost it. For more than a year and a half afterward, he lived in a camper on his own property, on the ground where his house once stood.
A Community That Showed Up
The storm brought Western North Carolina to its knees, but it also brought neighbors together. Valley Strong Disaster Relief, the very organization Billy had rushed to help, connected him with Purple Heart Homes. Like many Veterans, Billy was hesitant at first, feeling that someone else might need the help more. We believe the men and women who gave so much for this country deserve a safe place to come home to, and having served more than 4,300 Veterans across the nation, we were honored to stand with Billy.
A New Home, A New Chapter
Working with Valley Strong Disaster Relief and with The Home Depot Foundation, which contributed nearly $5,700 in funds along with hands-on volunteers, we built and dedicated a new modular home for Billy. At the dedication, North Carolina State Representative Eric Ager spoke about how Helene had devastated Western Carolina and, in its aftermath, drawn the community closer than ever. Our Director of Program Services, was moved to tears as she spoke directly to Billy. For his part, Billy kept the focus where he always does, on everyone but himself: "I'm just blessed and thankful for my community. It means a lot coming home and seeing members of the community pitching in to help one another." After more than a year and a half in a camper, Billy says he is looking forward to some peace and quiet, and to the next chapter of his life in a home if his own.
Because They Gave, You Can Choose
Billy has a home today because a community refused to let one of its own go without. You can be that community for the next Veteran. Through Hearts of Honor, our monthly giving club, your membership becomes the steady support that lets us say yes when a Veteran needs us, and keep that promise. Right now, more than 50 Veterans are waiting for repairs, modifications, and homes that would let them live safely. Membership starts at $25 a month, every member moves us closer to our goal of 800. They gave so much for us. Now you can choose a Veteran.
Thank You to Our Partners
Billy's home was made possible by people who showed up for him the way he has always shown up for others. Our deepest thanks go to Valley Strong Disaster Relief, who found Billy and brought him to us, to The Home Depot Foundation for their generous partnership and volunteer support, and to the neighbors, partners, and local leaders across Western North Carolina who stood with him.
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 all 50 states 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 purplehearthomesusa.org.
