IRON STATION, NC – Thanks to the support of his community and the work of Purple Heart Homes, veteran Donald Surratt now has a safe, reliable home free of a leaking roof, an unstable foundation, and deteriorating conditions. “If you have ever wondered if there is power in prayer, here’s your proof,” Surratt told supporters gathered at a Mission Complete ceremony to celebrate his new home. “God is good!” Surratt originally reached out to see if he could get a new roof on his aging home, which was built in the 1950s by his father. An inspection revealed the condition of the roof and supporting walls would not allow for a simple renovation, but that a complete rebuild would be necessary for this veteran to have a safe, warm, and dry place to call home. Surratt is a 72-year-old U.S. Army Veteran who served as a Military Police Officer during the Vietnam War. After leaving the service, he took in and cared for his adult son Darrell, who battled with muscular dystrophy his whole adult life. Surratt was by his son’s side until Darrell passed away in his home in December of 2022. On March 26, Surratt gathered with his family, friends, and project partners as Purple Heart Homes began the demolition of the 70+ year old home. It was both a bittersweet moment and a time of celebration: bittersweet to see his childhood home being torn down, yet joyful knowing that a new home was being built in its place. On Thursday, Oct. 17, Purple Heart Homes marked the completion of Surratt’s project with a traditional Mission Complete ceremony to honor the veteran’s service and thank the community partners and donors who made this project possible. Beginning with the Presentation of Colors by the Lincolnton High School JROTC, the ceremony included remarks from the Rev. Lewis Lowery, pastor of Surratt’s home church, Fancy Hill Baptist Church; general contractor Greg Dimmer; Dave Glascock of Love Our Veterans; Tim Waddell of World of Windows of Charlotte; N.C State Senator Ted Alexander; former N.C. State Representative Jason Saine; as well as Purple Heart Homes CEO and Co-Founder John Gallina and Project Manager Lamar Austin. At the completion of this project, there were 47 partners that worked on the Surratt home, as well as over $60,000 worth of in-kind donations and support. “Projects like these illustrate the power of communities coming together,” Gallina said. “We are grateful for Donald’s service and we’re privileged to be able to show him our gratitude by ensuring he has a safe and comfortable place to call home.” To learn more about supporting the work of Purple Heart Homes or applying for services, click here.