Ortley Veteran Comes Home Wednesday Afternoon

The dozens of volunteers who helped to rebuild the Ortley Beach home of a disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his wife will be honored during a Wednesday afternoon flag raising ceremony.

The Paying It Forward Foundation will host the event for Michael and Audrey Gavala at 2:30 p.m. at their 207 Third Ave. home. A color guard from the Marine Corps League Reynolds Detachment 203 of Freehold will raise the American flag on a newly installed pole to replace the one destroyed by Sandy.

The Gavalas have owned their Ortley home for 52 years, according to the foundation which helped to coordinate its rebuilding. Michael Gavala served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956-59.

Volunteer groups included Bona Responds, Calvary Chapel Relief, Calvary Chapel Teens, Habitat for Humanity, Portlight Strategies, Sandy Weekend Warriors and Seton Hall Prep, according to the foundation. They’ve assisted hundreds of homeowners recover from Sandy, including complete rebuilds in Lavallette and Ortley.

“Paying It Forward has been part of the recovery since the floodwaters receded,” said Gina Cavallo of Paying It Forward Relief in a statement. “This is an important moment for this family who now returns to their home, but also to their many neighbors who are still displaced. Together, we can help get residents back into their homes.”

The public is welcome to attend the event and refreshments will be served, organizers said.