Why Gary Sinise Serves Veterans: ‘All About Making People Feel Better’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Gary Sinise, whose life mission is to serve our nation’s veterans, sat down for a conversation with The Gary Sinise Foundation to talk about ‘his commitment to serving others and his destiny to be a person of service.”
“At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we believe it’s important to start your week with some #MondayMotivation, and who better to do that than @garysiniseofficial! Gary’s unrelenting dedication to the mission of the Foundation inspires us all to serve those who serve in freedom’s defense,” the Foundation continued in the caption. “Watch this inspiring video clip as Gary talks about his commitment to serving others and his destiny to be a person of service. It is an extremely rewarding thing to be able to uplift our nation’s heroes and their families, and we are truly grateful you have joined us on this journey.”
The clip opens with images of Sinise greeting American troops at the Kuwait/Iraq USO Tour in June of 2003. “Supporting something that is just about taking care of our defenders,” the actor said in the video, “Why would you do that if it wasn’t calling? Gary Sinise Foundation stands on years of commitment to serving the particular cause.”
He reflected on his motivation for keeping the Gary Sinise Foundation moving ahead. “Protecting and defending and standing up for and serving those that serve us, this destiny to be a person of service, it’s all about making people feel better,” Sinise said.
The video shows clips of his band, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, performing in various concerts for the troops. Most recently, the band played for more than 1,800 children and family members of fallen military heroes at their Snowball Express “Disney in December” Event.
“[The volunteers] don’t have to get up that early in the morning and they do it for these beautiful children because they are grateful too just like just like we all are,” said Donna Palmer, Executive Director of the Gary Sinise Foundation. “These families mean the world to Gary. He wants them to know that they are cherished and they are loved and they are never forgotten.”
Sinise shared a heartfelt Instagram post about the experience:
Just got home from our incredible trip honoring the families of fallen military heroes, our annual Snowball Express event at Disney World. Next week we do it all again for the families of our fallen first responders,” Sinise added. “Uplifting the surviving children and spouses of those who gave their last measure to our country and communities, right before the holidays which is often a difficult time for these families, is incredibly special to me and our mission at Gary Sinise Foundation. Thank you to all our incredible corporate sponsors, our staff, volunteers, and to all of you who support our mission. We hugged each and every one of them for you. ????”
Movieguide® previously reported on Sinise’s commitment to serving veterans:
This holiday season, Gary Sinise expressed his gratitude for America’s servicemen and women.
“Supporting our nation’s heroes is my lifelong mission and I will continue to serve it faithfully,” Sinise shared. “It’s an honor to be recognized and the best part is that I get to, in turn, shine a light and recognize the true heroes who serve our country.”
In 2011, Sinise launched the Gary Sinise Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support and fundraising for veterans.
“The mission of the Gary Sinise Foundation is broad, and this is a reflection of the needs I’ve seen over the many years supporting so many amazing organizations,” the actor explained. “And the Foundation’s mission is designed to also give us the freedom and flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our veterans, first responders, and the families who sacrifice alongside them.”
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