There are certain actors that are known for more than just their work on screen – they’re known for having hearts of gold too.
Gary Sinise is one of those people.
Perhaps you saw him in The Green Mile, or Of Mice and Men.
You likely remember him for his role as Lieutenant Dan in “Forrest Gump.”
He’s a hugely successful actor but his accomplishments in Hollywood pale in comparison to the work that he has done for American veterans.
In 2011, Gary Sinise created the Gary Sinise Foundation.
The organization works to serve all 3 branches of the US military.
They build smart homes for injured veterans and perform concerts and shows for military personnel both at home and abroad.
The Gary Sinise Foundation raises $30 million every year.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Sinise opened up about the work his foundation does.
“If every person in every neighborhood around the country took a little bit of responsibility for patting these folks on the back, all the problems that we hear about with regards to veterans not getting services or falling through the cracks would disappear,” he said.
“If citizens would look at their freedom providers in a little bit different way.”
How the Vietnam War impacted Gary Sinise
When Sinise was younger, the Vietnam War was ongoing.
He was just 10 when American troops were first sent to the country.
He was 20 by the time the war was over.
Sinise also spoke to PEOPLE about how the Vietnam War impacts his motivation to do the work he does.
He shared:
“All during the Vietnam War, I was just a high school kid playing in bands and getting in trouble,” says Sinise. “I felt guilty that, when they were off at war, I was oblivious to what they were going through. I’ve just tried to give them something back.”
Sinise would also say that the September 11th attacks in 2001 also strengthened his resolve to do more for America’s troops.
Some very big people wanted to show their appreciation to Gary Sinise.
Gary Sinise’s charitable work is about giving back to the military community, but a few years ago, a group of people decided to give back to him.
Multiple celebrities and military personnel took part in a video to thank Gary for all that he has done to help the troops.
Thank you, Gary Sinise.
Celebrities such as Jay Leno sent messages to Sinise in the video.
“Every time I go to do a USO show, I always get ‘Hey Jay Leno, how you doing? You know who else is here?’ ‘Who?’ ‘Gary Sinise’ ‘oh’ ‘in fact, he’s been here 3 times.'”
“Your commitment, your dedication, your effort, you are awesome,” said Ron Howard.
“More than anything thank you for everything you do for our warriors,” said Rob Lowe.
Sinise’s Forrest Gump co-star, Tom Hanks, also sent a special message to Sinise.
“Thanks Lieutenant Dan!” Hanks says in the video.
Gary Sinise can’t hold in his emotions.
As Gary watches the video, he begins to tear up.
It is clear the heartfelt messages of appreciation has hit home with him.
He sees people are truly grateful. Grateful is perhaps the word that best summarizes Sinise.
It’s featured in the title of the book he released in 2019, “Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service, by Gary Sinise.”
Watch the video below to see Gary’s heartfelt reaction to the surprise. It might have you grabbing a tissue too!
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