We have likely seen our fair share of stars during our lifetime. They sometimes seem to come and go and at other times they stick around and continue to do good work. That is the case with Gary Sinise, who played all kinds of bad guys during his career. He played soldiers, tough cops and many others but most of us remember his role in the movie, Forest Gump.
As it turns out, Gary is not just a man who has a face we can recognize, he is also heavily involved in his charity work. He supports those who are active duty in the military through the Gary Sinise Foundation. Some of the others who are able to get his support include first responders, veterans and the families of those individuals. Anyone attached to them who is in need of a hand will also get it.
Sinise has traveled the world to visit those overseas troops. At 63 years of age, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. According to Gary, it was his role as Lieutenant Dan in Forest Gump that inspired him to help.
“He’s kind of played a bigger role in my life because of the nature of what that character was,” Sinise told ET.
“He was a wounded, injured soldier, and I remember going into the first hospital to visit an injured soldier after Sept. 11, and all he wanted to talk about was Lieutenant Dan and what happened to Lieutenant Dan. So, that character has obviously been very special to me.”
Gary is celebrating the release of his new memoir, Grateful American with the following. He received heartfelt messages from those who wanted to wish him the best. You can see it in this video:
Sinise was ‘completely shocked and speechless’ after receiving honor from Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, and many others. There were also many who benefited from his charity work who expressed their thanks.
Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell thanked the actor “for all the things you have done for our men and women who have served our nation.”
“Not only what you’ve done for them but for their children, what you’ve done for their families, what you’ve done to help them rebuild their lives.”
A family who had a home given from the Sinise Foundation posed in front of the property.
“As you can see we’re in front of this beautiful house right now,” the veteran said. “We wouldn’t have had it were it not for your kindness, graciousness and your wonderful gift of giving.”
The Gary Sinise Foundation asks that you share the video as part of their #GratefulLikeGary campaign.