Saluting The Gary Sinise Foundation and The Lieutenant Dan Band

By Paula Green

“Wherever I go for the military, they always call me Lt. Dan. They just can't help it.” ~ Gary Sinise

The film Forrest Gump premiered on July 6, 1994, and Gary Sinise’s role as Lt. Dan Taylor left a lasting impression. He played an embittered, wounded Vietnam veteran with pain, determination, and hope. Viewers felt his struggles and cheered for his victories. Sinise’s powerful performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Sinise’s dedication to veterans stems from his family's military roots: his father served in the Navy during the Korean War; his grandfather drove an ambulance in World War I, and two uncles served in World War II. Before playing Lt. Dan, Sinise supported Vietnam veterans through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in the 1980s and 1990s.

After the U.S. terror attacks on 9/11, Sinise’s commitment grew even stronger. Deeply affected, he felt a renewed sense of patriotism and a strong desire to help veterans, first responders, and their families.

To further support the military community, Sinise formed the Lt. Dan Band in 2003 with his friend Kimo Williams in Chicago, after one of his trips overseas to visit service members. As an accomplished musician, Sinise played bass guitar for the 13-piece band, which performed USO tours at military bases and hospitals worldwide and raised money for military veterans.

Sinise’s strong admiration for veterans took another step forward on June 30, 2011, when he founded the Gary Sinise Foundation. Building upon his previous efforts, this organization provides programs, services, and events for wounded veterans, first responders, and their families, including mortgage-free “smart” homes for veterans with severe disabilities. The foundation also hosts hearty American meals at bases and facilities to personally thank service members.  

Among its programs, the Gary Sinise Foundation runs an annual Snowball Express charter tour. The flight transports hundreds of Gold Star families (surviving spouses and children of fallen military heroes) to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, for an all-expense-paid, five-day healing retreat. Additionally, the foundation hosts a similar "Disney in December" event for the families of fallen first responders.

Continuing its outreach, the foundation arranges exclusive trips with airport parades for WWII veterans to tour The National WWII Museum. It also hosts Heroes Reunions to reconnect veterans and organize retreats and community events for the families of fallen service members.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Gary Sinise’s star continues to shine. Ultimately, the story of Lieutenant Dan lives on, for a man who deeply respects those who wear the uniform. For Gary Sinise, his support for the military and first responders is unwavering.

Sources: www.garysinisefoundation.org/, www.ausa.org/people/gary-sinise