Congressman McCaul, Astros Legend Craig Biggio Break Ground on New Home for Cypress Marine, Purple Heart Recipient

CYPRESS, TX – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) joined Astros legend Craig Biggio in shoveling the first dirt on a lot that will soon be home to an American hero. The pair teamed up to break ground on a new, specially adapted home for Captain Daniel Moran, USMC, his wife and two children. Capt. Moran is recovering from severe injuries and burns over 50% of his body sustained during combat in Iraq.

"This is a good news story among many bad news stories," said Rep. McCaul. "Thank you, Captain Moran for your service. And thank you to your family for their sacrifice."

Captain Moran, who graduated from Westfield High School in Spring ISD, and attended Texas A&M, joined the United States Marines in 2004. During his second tour of duty in Ramadi, Iraq, less than two weeks after sustaining a concussion and ignoring doctors’ orders to avoid combat, Capt. Moran’s platoon was ambushed and 3 members of his platoon were killed instantly.

Capt. Moran sustained 3rd degree burns and became comatose. He suffered fractured vertebrate, herniated disks, a minor inhalation injury resulting in Sleep Apnea and a mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Capt. Moran spent 2 1/2 years in the burn unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He has endured 31 surgeries and is scheduled for his final procedure tomorrow, March 31.

>Helping a Hero spearheaded the effort.

Congressman McCaul is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Intelligence Subcommittee. Last year he co-sponsored a bill that provides record funding for Veterans, including two new VA Outpatient Clinics expected to open in Tomball and Katy sometime in 2010.

The Bridgeland master-planned community donated the land and Perry Homes will contribute a new 3,300 square foot home that will include high level adaptations for temperature control since Capt. Moran is no longer able to control his own temperature, and an extended porch so he is able to spend time with his children outside without being in direct sunlight. The Houston non-profit group