Sen. Cruz: ‘The Ray Family Has a New Place to Call Home – Abundant Proof of the Love in Their Community, and Gratitude We Have for Our Wounded Warriors’

Texas Defends America Tour

Participates in ‘Helping a Hero’ welcome home ceremony honoring Army Sgt. Ray

GEORGETOWN, Texas – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today continued his statewide ‘Texas Defends America’ tour with a visit to Georgetown, where he participated in a ceremony hosted by ‘Helping a Hero.’ There, they honored Army Sergeant James “Shane” Ray and his family, and presented them with a new handicap-accessible home.

Still photos of the ceremony may be viewed here.

While deployed to Iraq in June 2006, Sgt. Ray was driving a Bradley Fighting Vehicle when it ran over two IEDs. The blast left Sgt. Ray with severe burns, the loss of a leg, and ongoing medical complications. He received the Purple Heart for his injuries in combat, the Bronze Star for his valor, and numerous other medals. Helping a Hero, a Houston nonprofit, and their partners build homes specifically adapted for severely wounded warriors injured in the Global War on Terror.

“In his service to our country and defense of our freedoms, Sgt. Shane Ray has sacrificed much,” Sen. Cruz said. “When tragedy struck and the Ray’s were left with nothing after their home burned to the ground, their church and community rallied behind them. I can think of few responsibilities more important than our duty to serve the brave men and women who wear our nation’s uniform, and to care for them when they return to civilian life. Thanks to the men and women at ‘Helping a Hero’ the Ray family has a new place to call home – abundant proof of the love in their community, and gratitude we have for our wounded warriors. May we never take their service and sacrifice for granted. It is my honor to thank Sgt. Ray for his service, and present the Ray family with the keys to their new home.”