In spite of threatening skies, a large, enthusiastic crowd assembled on Friday, April 17th for the dedication of the Dennis Hutton Reintegration. This residential facility, located at 421 Route 57S in Little River, SC,  has been the dream of the Veterans’ Welcome Home and Resource Center since its inception in 2009.

 

Speakers included Kris Tourtellotte, a Vietnam veteran and founding Director of the Center, and Barbara Hutton, widow of Dennis Hutton, a veteran, Board Member, and supporter of the Center.  

 

In addition to the speeches, the ceremony included the Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and a raffle of a handmade quilt.  Refreshments, including a cake donated by ORCA, were served, and a bonfire took place later on.

 

As part of the event, tours of the comfortable house were given.  Every bed was covered by a quilt, a wonderful welcome for each veteran and all handmade by Kris’ sister.  The veterans can keep the quilts when they move on and more will be made as replacements.  

The Reintegration House will offer a clean, safe place to live for up to 6 veterans at a time while they complete individually designed professional care and counseling programs in order to become productive members of society.  

 

Eligible veterans may be homeless, or have recently completed rehabilitation programs for drug or alcohol dependency.  All must agree to share in the responsibilities of household tasks and maintenance, as well as to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle.  

 

This facility is the culmination of many years of vision, hard work, determination, and generosity.  Members of the ORCA Board of Directors were present to celebrate the event.

 

Through ORCA, Ocean Ridge has already contributed $8,300 to this organization.  

Here are some pictures from the event.

 

Congratulations and a big

THANK YOU to our Veterans and to those on 

active duty!!