Posted on 02/26/2012 12:53:40 PM PST by jazusamo
I'd like to tell you about an American hero I know: Gary Sinise.
Gary, as you know (unless you live under a rock), played Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump and currently stars in CSI New York. He boasts too many other award-winning roles on stage and screen to list. What you probably don't know is how much time, energy, and money Gary spends to serve our troops, both active-duty and veterans, and their families.
I first saw Gary perform in the basement of a Catholic church in Highland Park, IL about a million years ago. The lighting was rotten and the seats were uncomfortable, but the acting was like nothing I'd witnessed -- ever. To watch this man on stage was to step into the mind and life of the character he played. With all that in mind, though, I had no idea at fourteen that I would idolize Gary one day for something having absolutely nothing to do with his acting chops.
Cut to present: while still acting in a long-running hit show on broadcast television, Gary has dedicated his life to our troops. This man is driven like no one I have ever seen to make sure that our active-duty and veteran military men and women are cared for.
Gary is one of my heroes -- he has realized a calling that takes him from one corner of the world to another in support of our troops and their families. He does it all: he raises funds for his and other foundations, builds houses, plays music, and visits war zones. He manages all this at great personal cost, including loss of time with family, grave danger to life and limb when he goes to combat zones, and monetary expenditure from his own pockets.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
Thanks for relating the story, rl.
That would definitely be a compliment being he is one of the few actors that do support our troops.
Thanks for posting this excellent story, jaz!
Thanks for your service, Little Bill...know that your experiences have something to do withe the broader support we see today.
There were many, myself included, who vowed never again to let the Left be the only voices the troops hear.
It was shameful, and every American who stayed silent when it happened SHOULD be ashamed.
When I see someone with any vet hat I go out of my way to thank them, but when I see a Vietnam Vet, I make a point of shaking their hand, looking them squarely in the eye and saying “Welcome Home, sir. Thank you for serving.”
I say that to you now Little Bill, but if I ever get the chance to see you in person, I’ll shake your hand and say it again.
I met him once where he was the guest of honor at a military ceremony and got to thank him for everything he’s doing. He was a genuinely nice, pleasant guy. Hollywood needs more like him.
Gotta love Lt Dan!
I didn't even catch the error. I really thought that they were asking if you worked for that goofy community organization ACORN.
It's a crazy world.
I’m pretty sure that if you asked him he would tell
you that he’s no hero but he knows some people who are.
That he’s a good AMERICAN is good enough for me.
Exactly! It EMBARRASSED me to realize how it scored a direct hit on my vanity, but...I think (or would like to think) it was only because I was mistaken for him!
The only time I enjoyed Forrest Gump was when Lt. Dan was on. Otherwise, that movie was stupid.
An American hero ping!
Just.....wow!
Check to see if there is an organization called "Patriot Guard" near you. We stand flag line for returning/departing troops, funerals for veterans of any war (and ride motorcycles if you got 'em).
It really helps you forget what was done. I was proud to help honor and grieve the loss of one of our brave Navy Seals this summer.
That post just made me cry! And if you are a vet, THANK YOU....if you aren’t thank you for loving them!
One of the very few hollywood types I would care to have as a personal friend. OIF vet
≤}B^)
I’ll tell ya...my brain gets tied in knots sometimes...it is bad enough when I am battling that without having a computer “helping” me!
I can manage to embarrass myself on occasion WITHOUT any help, thank you very much!
Thanks for pinging, LUV W.
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