Gary Sinise
Philanthropy Bio
Actor/humanitarian Gary Sinise has been working in support of veterans for over thirty
years. His commitment started in the early 1980's when he began supporting local Vietnam veterans groups in the Chicago area and created the Vets Night program at the Steppenwolf Theatre
which he co-founded. This program continues to this day and invites veterans to a free dinner
and performance for each one of the plays produced at the theatre.
Among his numerous film and television roles, it was his portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the landmark film Forrest Gump, in 1994, which formed an enduring connection with servicemen and
women throughout the military community. Shortly after the film opened, Gary was introduced
to the Disabled American Veterans organization as they invited him to their national convention
to present him with their National Commanders Award for playing the double amputee. His relationship and work with the DAV in support of our wounded service members has lasted for over
20 years. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Gary was called to action to do more
to support the military men and women who were responding to those attacks. In 2003, he volunteered for the USO and began visiting our troops in Iraq and around the world.
He also formed the “Lt. Dan Band” and in February 2004, began actively entertaining troops
serving at home and abroad. Performing pop hits to classic rock staples, the 12 member cover
band has played hundreds of shows for over half-a-million troops and their families and helped
to raise millions of dollars for military charities across the country. In 2004 he co-founded, with
author Laura Hillenbrand, Operation Iraqi Children, a program designed to Help Soldiers Help
Children by shipping hundreds of thousands of school supply kits to troops serving in Iraq. The
program evolved into Operation International Children as they began shipping to Afghanistan
and other conflict areas where US troops were deployed. In recognition of his humanitarian work
on behalf of our nation’s defenders, Sinise has earned many distinguished awards including the
Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment from the Medal of Honor Society, the Spirit of
the USO Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Doughboy Award, the Sylvanus Thayer
Award, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award from the National Defense Industrial Association.
In 2008, he received the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor awarded
to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation. In 2012, Sinise was presented
with the Spirit of Hope Award by the Department of Defense, was named an honorary Chief
Petty Officer by the United States Navy and in 2013 was pinned as an honorary Marine by General James Amos, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. For a more detailed look at
appearances and honors go to www.garysinisefoundation.org/letter-gary
Gary Sinise Foundation was formed in 2011 with the mission to honor its defenders, veterans,
first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. These include
its R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence and Supporting Empowerment), whose flagship initiative is a custom Smart Home building project for severely wounded veterans. Each home is
customized to ease daily challenges and help restore independence with features like retractable
cook tops, cabinets and shelving, elevators and more, all accessible via an iPad. Both through its
own efforts and through its Building for America’s Bravest partner program, Gary Sinise Foundation is constructing these one-of-a-kind homes all across the country, each for a wounded hero,
their caregivers and family. Other programs include Relief & Resiliency Outreach, Invincible
Spirit Festivals, First Responders Outreach, Serving Heroes and Arts & Entertainment Outreach. Over the years, the Foundation has formed numerous corporate alliances including the
Carrington Companies, who donate and provide real estate development and construction management services to build the R.I.S.E. program’s Smart Homes, American Airlines, whose Veterans Initiatives program provides travel support for the many charitable concerts and projects the
foundation is engaged in to support the veteran, wounded and active duty communities, and GE
whose Get Skills to Work program helps veterans translate military skills into advanced manufacturing jobs while empowering employers with tools to recruit, onboard and mentor veterans. For
more information, please visit GarySiniseFoundation.org
The Gary Sinise Foundation (Federal Tax ID 80-0587086) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity as
defined in sections 509(A)(1) and 170(B)(1)(A)(VI) of the Internal Revenue Code. Combined
Federal Campaign, CFC #27963. For more information, please
visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.