- July 24, 2026
Volusia County's inaugural Veteran of the Year, retired U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Pierre Louis, was welcomed home on Friday, July 25.
The Daytona Beach resident received the keys to his newly reconstructed home through Volusia County’s Transform386 Homeowner Recovery Program. Louis' home had been severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
County leaders, family members, friends, community partners and supporters gathered to celebrate Louis' return home. The ceremony marked the completion of his home and another important milestone in his recovery from one of Florida's most destructive storms.
The home was rebuilt through the Transform386 Homeowner Recovery Program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program. Transform386 provides eligible homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian with assistance through rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement and other housing recovery options.
Louis served more than 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a pilot and maintenance officer before continuing his commitment to public service through volunteer leadership, mentoring and helping fellow veterans navigate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to others, Volusia County named him its inaugural Veteran of the Year in May.
Since the Transform386 Homeowner Recovery Program launched, more than 300 recovery projects have been completed with hundreds more actively being worked on the the county.
Residents interested in learning more about the Transform386 Homeowner Recovery Program can visit www.transform386.org or call 386-943-7029.
