Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Gary Sinise: An American Hero
American Thinker ^ | February 26, 2012 | Matthew S. Harrison

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 ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: garysinise; garysinisefoundation; sinise; usmilitary; uso; veterans
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-72 next last
To: rlmorel

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.


21 posted on 02/26/2012 1:58:17 PM PST by jazusamo (Character assassination is just another form of voter fraud: Thomas Sowell)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

Thanks for posting this excellent story, jaz!


22 posted on 02/26/2012 2:00:09 PM PST by Albion Wilde ("The facts of life are Tory." -- Margaret Thatcher)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: Little Bill

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.


23 posted on 02/26/2012 2:03:50 PM PST by rlmorel ("A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." Winston Churchill)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

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.


24 posted on 02/26/2012 2:03:50 PM PST by antiRepublicrat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

Gotta love Lt Dan!


25 posted on 02/26/2012 2:04:20 PM PST by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: rlmorel
They then asked me if I was an acorn

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.

26 posted on 02/26/2012 2:04:42 PM PST by Leaning Right (Why am I carrying this lantern? you ask. I am looking for the next Reagan.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

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.


27 posted on 02/26/2012 2:06:30 PM PST by tet68 ( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

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!


28 posted on 02/26/2012 2:06:56 PM PST by rlmorel ("A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." Winston Churchill)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

The only time I enjoyed Forrest Gump was when Lt. Dan was on. Otherwise, that movie was stupid.


29 posted on 02/26/2012 2:07:12 PM PST by 3catsanadog (Scats for Newt!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Albion Wilde

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZAF75hwPUQ


30 posted on 02/26/2012 2:09:29 PM PST by mylife (The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: rlmorel
Thank you! It never bothered me all that much, I did very well after VN, but I know a lot of friends and relatives that it bothered a lot. We were the sons of the WW2 generation and expected a thanks, I never did, we had a war I served just as all my ancestors served, the price of citizenship.
31 posted on 02/26/2012 2:14:11 PM PST by Little Bill (Sorry)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Albion Wilde; GodBlessUSA; Mrs.Nooseman; Kathy in Alaska; AZamericonnie; HiJinx; Colonel_Flagg; ...

An American hero ping!

Just.....wow!


32 posted on 02/26/2012 2:26:42 PM PST by luvie (This space reserved for heroes............my AF son....our troops....the vets from all wars...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Little Bill
It was actually worse than that - you were scorned for being in the service.

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.

Here's a link

33 posted on 02/26/2012 2:29:43 PM PST by Aevery_Freeman (Typed using <FONT STYLE=SARCASM> unless otherwise noted)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: rlmorel

That post just made me cry! And if you are a vet, THANK YOU....if you aren’t thank you for loving them!


34 posted on 02/26/2012 2:33:10 PM PST by luvie (This space reserved for heroes............my AF son....our troops....the vets from all wars...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

One of the very few hollywood types I would care to have as a personal friend. OIF vet


35 posted on 02/26/2012 2:33:16 PM PST by jesseam
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: rlmorel
Man, that one goes on the list....

≤}B^)

36 posted on 02/26/2012 2:37:56 PM PST by Erasmus (BHO: New supreme leader of the rollin' homey empire.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

Here is a link to a great video of Gary.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ETeB2JnpXiU


37 posted on 02/26/2012 2:40:47 PM PST by Realist (If you don't know where you are being led, you may not like where you end up!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jazusamo

Here is a link to a great video of Gary.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ETeB2JnpXiU


38 posted on 02/26/2012 2:41:00 PM PST by Realist (If you don't know where you are being led, you may not like where you end up!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Erasmus

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!


39 posted on 02/26/2012 2:41:18 PM PST by rlmorel ("A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." Winston Churchill)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies]

To: LUV W

Thanks for pinging, LUV W.


40 posted on 02/26/2012 2:48:00 PM PST by jazusamo (Character assassination is just another form of voter fraud: Thomas Sowell)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-72 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson