Darius Rucker gives veteran keys to a free house

MOUNT PLEASANT — Singer Darius Rucker has presented the keys to a free house to a veteran from his native South Carolina.

Rucker gave the keys to Daniel Branham of Mount Pleasant on NBC's "Today Show" on Wednesday. Rucker called Branham an America hero and Branham said he's a longtime fan of Rucker's music.

The singer is giving away 11 homes while on tour this summer.

Branham is a Charleston native who served 15 months in Iraq in the Army. While wounded by improvised explosive devices, he drove his vehicle to rescue nine fellow soldiers from a gas attack.

The home giveaway is funded through a partnership with Wells Fargo and is also sponsored by Walmart, the Military Warriors Support Foundation and the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group's Project Rebuild.