By Mallory Mattingly
Veteran advocate Gary Sinise believes Americans are “disconnected” from our troops because they don’t know “anybody who serves.”
“There are a lot of people in the country, believe it or not…they’re not personally connected to anybody who serves,” Sinise shared on the “Searching for Heroes” podcast with Benjamin Hall podcast. “They’re disconnected to what happens when somebody serves our country.”
The FORREST GUMP actor said that thanking a vet can make all the difference.
“Coming up and patting them on the back and saying, ‘You know what? I appreciate people like you who serve our country in uniform. I appreciate what you do.’ That can change somebody’s day,” he said.
Related: Gary Sinise Advocates for ‘Struggling’ Vets Who Served After 9/11
Sinise has made it his life’s mission to raise awareness about what our troops do for the American people every day through his Gary Sinise Foundation. He also advocates for veterans and their families through things like his home-building initiative.
“One of the many programs at the @GarySiniseFoundation is our home building initiative, where, thanks to the generosity of the American people, we provide specially adapted smart homes for America’s wounded heroes,” Sinise’s foundation shared on social media. “One of those heroes is U.S. Army Sergeant Mary Dague, who received her new mortgage-free home last week.
“This is our 101st home,” the foundation continued. “Mary’s courage, resilience, and spirit are truly inspiring, and it was an honor to celebrate her and welcome her home.”
Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band, in which he plays bass, uplifts “our nation’s heroes at home, overseas and even in combat zones.”
“I’m honored to be partnering with @VeteransUnited Home Loans for a special Welcome Home event on March 29 — National Vietnam War Veterans Day — on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This event is open to the public, and Vietnam Veterans and their families are especially encouraged to attend. I hope you can join us as we will end the day with a concert from The LT. Dan Band,” Sinsie wrote on Instagram last month.
His support extends to the families of fallen heroes.
“From the Walk of Gratitude to playing for these families with my Lt. Dan Band, it’s truly an honor to serve those who carry so much love and sacrifice with them every day,” he said in December after spending two weeks with these families. “We remember their loved ones, we honor their service, and we want these families to know – they are never forgotten.”
Through his advocacy, performances, and work with the Gary Sinise Foundation, Sinise has fought to bridge the civilian-military divide by honoring service members and reminding Americans of the sacrifice behind wearing the uniform.
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