Local marine receives new home as part of Helping A Hero Home program

Purple Heart recipient Marine Sgt. Marty Gonzalez, of The Woodlands, received a new house from the Helping a Hero Home program in honor of Veterans Day.

Gonzalez, a The Woodlands High School graduate, was injured while stationed in Fallujah, Iraq, according to a press release. He earned three Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars after being struck in the face by an enemy grenade and shot twice in the right humorous bone by an insurgent. He sustained these injuries while saving another marine, according to the release. Nine surgeries later and on the road to recovery, he is working to create the Texas Veterans Court.

The Helping a Hero program partnered with Mischer Development and Perry Homes to present the keys to the family during a Nov. 12 ceremony. Gonzalez will share the Cypress-area home with his wife, Tawnee, and three children.

Helping a Hero has awarded over 90 homes in 21 states. On Oct. 24, President George W. Bush, Dennis Miller and Lee Greenwood all participated in the National Gala where 33 homes were awarded to amazing wounded heroes. The Houston community showed up with over 2,300 people attending and over $3 million raised. For more information on the Helping a Hero Home program, visit www.helpingahero.org.