Veterans Thank Gary Sinise Foundation For Custom Homes: ‘It Felt Like This Huge Burden Was Taken Off Our Shoulders’
By Movieguide® Contributor
In a new video, Gary Sinise and some of the veterans he has helped through the Gary Sinise Foundation talk about the homes the foundation has built and how they “support empowerment for our wounded heroes.”
Gary Sinise, an actor known for his roles in FORREST GUMP, THE GREEN MILE, and CSI:NY, started the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011. The organization provides support for wounded veterans and their families.
In 2012, the Gary Sinise Foundation launched the R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program.
According to their website, “Over ten years later, the Foundation is honored to have completed 79 mortgage-free smart-technology homes across the country for our most severely wounded heroes.”
In a new video, some of the veterans who have been helped by the foundation over the years, as well as how Sinise got involved.
Sinise’s role as Lieutenant Dan in FORREST GUMP impressed viewers and veterans alike.
“Gary’s portrayal of Lieutenant Dan was right on the mark,” one person said. “I mean, you know, the way — his anger and the way he treated people — all of that was perfect.”
Sinise was also inspired by his character’s story.
“[I was] playing a wounded veteran, showing that there was life after the injury,” the actor explained. “He’s able to pull himself up, make peace, and go on and be successful in life.”
This led to Sinise’s involvement with various veteran organizations.
“Engaging with our wounded on a regular basis…all those seeds planted there manifested itself into…the RISE program: restoring independence, supporting empowerment,” Sinise said.
One veteran shared, “It just felt like this huge burden and this huge weight was taken off our shoulders.”
“I don’t even know how to put into words what it means,” another said. “It’s impossible.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Sinise’s efforts to support the wounded veteran community:
Marine Staff Sgt. Stuart DiPaolo and his family recently celebrated their new home, thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation.
DiPaolo served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was injured while training at Camp Pendleton. He had to jump out of a vehicle that then fell on its side, crushing DiPaolo’s head and breaking every bone in his face.
His injuries left him in a wheelchair, but his new home is helping him get his life back.
The Gary Sinise Foundation provided DiPaolo and his family with a new smart home that was custom built for him, with his condition in mind.
This house is the 78th home built for a wounded veteran by the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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