A member of Houston's First who attends our Cypress Campus received an unexpected and one-of-a-kind gift during the football game between Texas A&M and Alabama on September 14.

Capt. Dan Moran, USMC (Ret.), and his family were among the first church members to get on board with the vision for the Cypress Campus when it launched in March 2013. Now, Dan and his wife, Teal, teach a Life Bible Study there for adults.

The following is an account of Dan Moran's big moment as reported on a Texas A&M news website. Our congratulations to Dan on this unique honor!

$115,000 12th Man Plate Getsf Roar From 88,000 Aggies

The man honored as an official 12THMAN in front of 88,000 roaring Aggies didn’t even know it was coming. Dan Moran was just excited he was getting to attend the college game of the season at Kyle Field, home of the 12THMAN, as a proud member of the Class of 2003.

Then in the second quarter, Moran found himself in the company of Governor Rick Perry, as they made their way toward the east end zone. There, Moran was joined by Texas A&M University President R. Bowen Loftin, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Board Chairman John Walker III, and My Plates President Steve Farrar. Walker presented Moran with the one and only 12THMAN license plate.

Texas A&M Regent Tony Buzbee, Class of 1990, former Marine Corps infantry officer and winner of the 12THMAN Plate Auction, won the plate with a bid of $115,000 Thursday and instructed that the plate be given to Moran.

“Dan Moran epitomizes what it is to be a 12THMAN, not only to Texas A&M University, but to our country,” says Buzbee.

Moran earned both his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Texas A&M. As an undergraduate, he participated in the A&M Corps of Cadets as a Combined Aggie Band Commander. After graduation, Moran survived serious injuries during his two combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning him the award of Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor. He medically retired as a Captain from the United States Marine Corps and is now Chairman and CEO of Moran Enterprises.

Buzbee says, “Dan exemplifies the spirit of the 12THMAN and has lived a life of honor, courage and commitment – all hallmarks of Aggie Leadership.”

The $115,000 paid for the exclusive 12THMAN plate will go to Texas A&M University and the General Revenue Fund of Texas.