The Las Vegas Veteran

Gary Sinise is best known for his portrayal of Lieutenan Dan in the movie Forrest Gump. He started to see the need for helping first responders and disabled military veterans after the terrible attack on September 11, 2001. Sinise has received over 140 awards for his charitable efforts and work, including the Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award and the Presidential Citizens Medal presented by President George W. Bush.

Sinise and his foundation have served nearly 1 million meals to veterans nationwide, provided 81 smart homes for disabled veterans, and brought over 12 thousand children and their families of fallen military veterans to Disney World. The organization continues to do countless other events and programs geared toward veterans and first responders.

In 2011 the Gary Sinise Foundation was officially founded. “I believe we can never do enough to express our gratitude and give support to the men and women who willingly go into harm’s way to keep us safe and free, but we can always do a little more.” Sinise wrote in a letter on behalf of his organization.

The Gary Sinise Foundation focuses on serving wounded heroes, families of fallen heroes, first responders, heroes struggling with invisible wounds like P.T.S.D., and active duty military members. In 2021, the foundation made $58 million in revenue and donations, which funded its programs such as R.I.S.E., Relief and Resiliency, Community Outreach, and concerts performed by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the band since its inception in 2003.

On February 4, 2023, Sinise hosted the foundation’s most recent Invincible Spirit Festival event at the San Diego Navel Medical Center. The event provided a concert, several other activities, and free food for veterans, their families, and hospital staff. “We don’t want you to have to be here, but as long as you are, we will be right here with you,” Sinise told veterans during the event.

There are many ways for people to participate in the foundation through donations and fundraising. Sinise and his foundation are active on social media, sharing the organization’s latest work and recognizing veterans and first responders.

Sinise regularly responds to his followers through his social media profiles, giving insight into how strongly he feels about his charity. “It’s an honor to support those who sacrifice so much,” Sinise responded to a follower on Reddit when thanked for his service to veterans. “I believe we can never do enough to show gratitude and appreciation, so they [Veterans] know there are grateful people out there.”