Suit dismissed against Statesville-based Purple Heart Homes

The Military Order of the Purple Heart has dismissed a trademark infringement lawsuit it filed against Purple Heart Homes, the Statesville-based nonprofit that builds homes across the country for veterans in need.

A settlement agreement in U.S. District Court in Statesville allows Purple Heart Homes to continue operating under its current name and mission, according to John Gallina, executive director of Purple Heart Homes.

Purple Heart Homes was founded in 2008 by Gallina and Dale Beatty, both of Statesville, after they returned home from Iraq as disabled veterans. The organization builds houses and adds handicapped-accessible features to existing homes of veterans.

Time magazine recognized Beatty and Gallina on its Aug. 29, 2011, cover. They appeared with three other U.S. veterans also committed to improving the lives of others.

“They recognized that we are doing good work,” Gallina said Tuesday. “They just needed clarity on what we are trying to do.”

Charlotte lawyer Corby Anderson, who helped represent The Military Order of the Purple Heart and its fundraising arm, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation Inc., couldn’t be reached Tuesday.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart, formed in 1932 and based in Virginia, is comprised of men and women who received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat. Its fundraising arm was chartered in 1957.

Staff researcher Maria David contributed.

This story was originally published December 16, 2014 at 1:25 PM with the headline "Suit dismissed against Statesville-based Purple Heart Homes."