[VIDEO] Gary Sinise: From Lieutenant Dan To Protector Of Veterans

Gary Sinise is an actor who seems to spend even more time dedicating himself to veterans throughout the United States than he does to acting. He even started a foundation in 2011 aimed at their benefit, called The Gary Sinise Foundation. Check out the story of Gary Sinise and what amazing things his foundation has been up to.

Gary Sinise

Actor Gary Sinise is most famous for his role as Lieutenant Dan in the film Forrest Gump alongside Tom Hanks. In the film, Gary’s character loses both of his legs in the Vietnam War. Clearly, the experience of playing a wounded soldier deeply touched Gary Sinise who has since dedicated himself to working with the veterans of the United States. Gary has said that he was particularly driven to action after the horrible events of September 11th. Gary began to lend his support to multiple veteran’s organizations as well as visiting the troops overseas and playing with his band which is called Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.

The Gary Sinise Foundation

In 2011, Gary was inspired to finally start his own organization called the Gary Sinise Foundation. The foundation states that their mission is to serve their nation by “honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.” The foundation aims to be able to do this by creating and supporting various programs that will help the community through a variety of ways – everything from entertainment to education. Gary has said that we should never take our freedom for granted, which also means always remembering those who have sacrificed to ensure that we are able to keep our freedom.

Benefiting Veterans

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band were formed purely out of service to the veteran and soldier community, and they travel around to fulfill that mission. The band itself is massive and has twelve members! They also cover a variety of hits from every genre of music imaginable to make sure that every soldier or veteran out there hears something they like. The band aims to boost morale and raise awareness through a variety of benefit concerts across the nation and abroad. They have performed over 365 concerts worldwide including over 150 USO concerts and 215 fundraising and benefits concerts.

Amazing Programs

The Gary Sinise Foundation is also made up of many other programs including Gary’s band of course. Some of these include RISE which is a program that aims to help disabled veterans through home modifications. Another program is called Soaring Valor, which brings WWII veterans and their families to the National World War II museum located in New Orleans, Louisiana. There they are also working on preserving the oral history of veterans so their stories will be known for years to come. They also are working on sponsoring historians to be able to visit those veterans who are unable to travel.

Actor With Heart

Gary Sinise is not only an actor but also a man truly dedicated to the empowerment of veterans throughout the United States. He has certainly put his money where his mouth is with a constant and steadfast dedication through so many different programs, benefits, and performances. Just like the character Lieutenant Dan, who was forever changed by the face of war. Gary knows that in real life, veterans returning home from war are faced with many of the same enormous struggles as his character was, be it physical or mental. What a wonderful example of someone truly dedicating themselves to a valiant and worthy cause! Check out the amazing story of Gary’s dedication to veterans in this video.

Courtesy of HooplaHa – Only Good News