I go into military communities and do fundraisers and that kind of thing with the band, because I know that the music can help do a lot of things. It can bring communities together, it can raise awareness… and it entertains.
- Gary Sinise -
Our “KARE” Radio Show, featuring Gary Sinise.
Gary Sinise, age 63 is an American actor, director and musician. He has won an Emmy, a Golden Globe Award and has been nominated for an Academy Award. He’s a supporter of several veterans’ organizations, both personally and through the Lt. Dan Band (Lt. Dan name from a role from the Forrest Gump movie). He frequently performs on USO tours at military bases around the world. Volunteered to support the National Veterans Art Museum. Sinise is also on the Advisory Council of Hope For The Warriors, a national nonprofit dedicated to non-medical care to combat-wounded service members, their families, and families of the fallen from each military branch. National spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial and spends much of his time raising awareness for the memorial and other veterans’ service organizations. In 2013, he was awarded the third highest honor within the Department of the Army Civilian Awards, the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, for substantial contributions to the U.S. Army community through his work with the Gary Sinise Foundation. Awarded the U.S. Presidential Citizens Medal.
“After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, I began devoting much of my time supporting the men and women who were deploying in response to those attacks – the brave service members who, each day, protect and defend our great country. Having veterans in my own family, and having been involved with supporting our military veterans going back to the, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, it was after that terrible day I decided to become much more active for our defenders however and wherever I could.”
Also his ‘Forrest Gump’ Role Inspired Him to Give Back to Gold Star Families. “The fact that Lieutenant Dan was a wounded Vietnam veteran — he’s kind of played a bigger role in my life because of the nature of what that character was,” Sinise noted while reflecting on filming Forrest Gump, in which he played Lieutenant Dan Taylor, the commanding officer of Hank’s titular character. “He was a wounded, injured soldier, and I remember going into the first hospital to visit an injured soldier after Sept. 11, and all he wanted to talk about was Lieutenant Dan and what happened to Lieutenant Dan. So, that character has obviously been very special to me.”
“My personal mission is what led to the founding of the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011, and with the help of supporters like you, we will continue to expand this mission in support of our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders and their loved ones, while upholding the importance of keeping our country strong by taking care of those who serve. While our programs and projects have certainly made a difference in many lives, there’s much more work to be done. I encourage you to browse our website, look into our programs, view the many great videos that show us in action on our YouTube channel, read about some of the heroes and families we have had the privilege to support, and consider making a contribution to help us do even more.”
Thank you Gary for your tireless effort on behalf of the people and their families who have given so much for our country. You have The Spirit of Humanity.
My new book, Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service comes out February 12, 2019. I’m very excited, and I’d like to invite you to join the launch team to help spread the word about the book with your community! If you’d like to join the team, please fill out the Google Form linked below, then click the other link to join the launch team Facebook group.
