2016 guidebook
Every day, men and women representing less than 2% of our population volunteer to protect our nation s safety and freedom. Most Americans live their daily lives without ever interacting with our military and first responders. As that disconnect grows, it s our duty as citizens to ensure the sacrifices made by these brave individuals are honored and appreciated. Over the past thirty years, supporting our nation s defenders has become my life s work. While the establishment of the Gary Sinise Foundation has allowed us to address our defender s needs on a larger scale, there is always more to be done. I am motivated by the remarkable people I ve met along this journey and inspired by the generosity of our supporters. I hope you ll consider joining us as we show the pride and gratitude of our great nation to its deserving heroes. God bless, Gary Sinise Founder, Gary Sinise Foundation 1
I. OUR MISSION II. GARY SINISE BIOGRAPHY III. OUR HISTORY IV. OUR PROGRAMS R.I.S.E. Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band Invincible Spirit Festivals Serving Heroes Arts & Entertainment Outreach Relief & Resiliency Outreach First Responder Outreach Soaring Valor V. AMBASSADORS COUNCIL VI. CLOSING QUOTE 2
I. Our Mission We serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. 3
II. Gary Sinise For nearly 40 years, Gary Sinise has stood as an advocate on behalf of America s service members. It began in the early 80 s with his support of Vietnam veterans groups and the creation of Vets Night, a program offering free dinners and performances to veterans at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. His commitment continued into the 90 s working on behalf of the Disabled American Veterans organization which he continues to actively support. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, his dedication to our nation s active duty defenders, veterans, first responders and their families has become a tireless crusade of support, service and gratitude for all those who protect our freedom and serve our country. His portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the landmark film Forrest Gump formed an enduring connection with service members throughout the military community. After several USO handshake tours, Sinise formed the Lt. Dan Band in 2003 and began entertaining troops serving at home and abroad. The band performs an average of 30 shows a year for military bases, charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes, Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world. Sinise serves as spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial and was instrumental in raising funds for the Pentagon Memorial in Washington, D.C. and the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance in NYC. He serves on executive councils for the Medal of Honor Foundation and the USO and is an advisory board member with Hope for the Warriors. 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 4
Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Spirit of Hope Award by the Department of Defense, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award from the National Defense Industrial Association, and most recently, the John Wayne True Grit Award and the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Award. In 2008, he was given the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation. He is only the third actor ever to receive this honor. Sinise was also named an honorary Chief Petty Officer by the Navy and an Honorary Marine by the United States Marine Corp. In October 2015, Sinise received the Sylvanus Thayer Award from the West Point Association of Graduates. The award is given to a citizen whose outstanding character, accomplishments, and stature in the civilian community share comparative qualities for which West Point strives. Most recently in June 2016, Sinise was given the Bradley Prize which recognizes individuals of extraordinary talent and dedication who have made contributions of excellence. In 2011, to expand upon his individual efforts, Sinise established the Gary Sinise Foundation. Giving back to those who sacrifice for our nation and encouraging others to do the same has become Gary Sinise s personal quest and what he hopes will endure as a legacy of service to others. 5
III. Our History The experiences of war leave an indelible impact on our service members. As they return to civilian life, the physical, emotional and psychological challenges they face are often difficult. As citizens, supporting the heroes of our nation is a responsibility each of us must carry. The Gary Sinise Foundation works to ensure the sacrifices of America s defenders and their families are never forgotten. The Gary Sinise Foundation builds specially adapted smart homes for America s severely wounded veterans through its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program. In addition, R.I.S.E. provides adapted vehicles, mobility devices and home modification to injured, wounded, ill and/or aging heroes from all conflicts. For more than a decade, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band have toured the globe in support of our troops. As a part of the Foundation, the band is raising spirits and awareness for military and first responder causes worldwide. Through its Invincible Spirit Festivals, the Gary Sinise Foundation is boosting the morale at military medical centers across the country. These daylong celebrations provide a respite from the rigors of rehabilitation for the hospital s patients, staff and families. The Relief & Resiliency Outreach program is providing complete support to those recovering from trauma, injury and loss during times of urgent need. The Foundation is also providing financial support for training and equipment to America s firefighters, police departments and EMTs through its First Responders Outreach program. Additionally, the Gary Sinise Foundation is showing appreciation through Serving Heroes, a program providing hearty, classic American meals to our defenders across the country. The Arts & Entertainment Outreach program now includes the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Each theatre provides dinner and a performance to local veterans free of charge. In 2015, the Gary Sinise Foundation launched Soaring Valor with The National WWII Museum. The program provides WWII veterans a chance to visit the museum while sponsoring an historian to document their first-hand accounts of the war. Since the inception in 2011, the Gary Sinise Foundation has grown beyond all expectations. Today, it is sustained by the generosity of over 25,000 donors. The importance of its mission is recognized by supporters all over the world. 6
IV. Our Programs 7
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Through R.I.S.E., the Gary Sinise Foundation is helping our nation s wounded heroes reclaim their self-respect and independence. As citizens, we must honor the sacrifices of our wounded service members by ensuring their care. The Gary Sinise Foundation established R.I.S.E., a program dedicated to Restoring Independence & Supporting Empowerment for these heroes and their families as they adjust to life after injury. Because they re done without a second thought, it s impossible to imagine being unable to perform the everyday chores of life. But living in total reliance on caregivers for even the most mundane, sometimes very personal tasks is a reality for many of our seriously wounded veterans. Atop the emotional and physical stresses are the added financial burdens. Most military families lack the means to purchase or retrofit a home specifically designed to their individual needs, nor obtain an adapted vehicle for transportation. Sometimes even a suitable wheelchair is out of reach. All across the country, R.I.S.E. is building local support for these heroes. By raising awareness in their communities and enlisting the grassroots efforts of local government and businesses, we re helping to establish a sustainable network of long-term support for each hero and their family. 9
Home is more than a house. It s where loved ones gather. It s where we take comfort from the world. It s the center around which our lives revolve. For our nation s severely wounded heroes, however, life at home can be a constant battle. Without features designed for their needs, small tasks can present insurmountable challenges. Through R.I.S.E., we re building specially adapted smart homes all across the country. Our team provides hands-on management and real estate expertise from land purchase to construction. With a place to truly call home, these heroes and their families can move forward with their lives. 10
51 specially adapted smart homes completed or underway both through R.I.S.E. and through our partner program 180+ wounded heroes, their families & caregivers supported 9 home modifications 3 adapted vehicles for families of wounded heroes 7 mobility devices Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get this much support. It s been a little overwhelming. I love this country. -Cpl. Juan Dominguez, triple amputee and home recipient 11
Honor. Gratitude. Rock & Roll. That s the mission of every Lt. Dan Band concert. There s something for everyone as the twelve-member group covers hits from every genre. Whether boosting morale on military bases at home and abroad, raising awareness at benefit concerts across the country or headlining our own Invincible Spirit Festivals, the band entertains, educates, inspires and builds communities with its explosive live show everywhere it goes. 12
350+ concerts performed worldwide for our nation s defenders & their families 150+ USO concerts 200+ benefit & military support concerts To Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band thank you so much for being here today. Thanks for all you do for our military and our service members and their families. You make me proud everyday. -Rear Admiral C. Forrest Faison, III 13
The heroic spirit displayed by our wounded service members throughout their difficult rehabilitation is an inspiration. To show our gratitude for their sacrifices, our Invincible Spirit Festivals celebrate the courage not only of these heroes but of their families and caregivers as well. Each daylong festival brings a fair-like atmosphere to one of our nation s military medical centers complete with a live Lt. Dan Band concert and a delicious cookout donated by Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine. By providing a respite from the rigors of their medical treatment, these festivals offer a reminder of hope and positivity along the road to recovery. 74,500+ spirits lifted during medical rehabilitation 13,500+ Naval Medical Center San Diego (2012, 2014-16) 29,000+ San Antonio Military Medical Center (2013-16) 16,500+ Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (2013-14, 2016) 15,500+ Fort Belvoir (2013-15) 14
It has been an amazing, amazing day...it says so much to our military, their families, our wounded warriors and their caregivers. So a shoutout for you all for being here. Thank you so much! -Elaine Rodgers, USO of Metropolitan Washington, President 15
Thank you for providing a tasty meal. It s nice to know people have not forgotten the troops. Thanks again. -SSgt. Tiffany Walker 16
Nothing offers an opportunity to bond and give thanks quite like breaking bread together. That s why we re showing gratitude to our nation s defenders by serving hearty, classic American meals at major travel hubs and military venues all across the nation. We re already expanding our efforts to include other venues and additional airports nationwide. 68,255+ meals served to our nation s defenders 8,585+ USO@LAX 13,750+ USO@DFW 12,080+ USO@San Diego 5,090+ USO@Great Lakes 9,665+ USO@Las Vegas 3,400+ USO@Nashville 1,075+ Naval Medical Center San Diego 740+ Ft. Belvoir 2,005+ Walter Reed Military Medical Center 200+ USO @ Ft. Belvoir 100+ Quantico 2,795+ USO @ Ft. Campbell 1,650+ Veterans Victory House, SC 1,605+ VA Columbia, SC 4,400+ Los Angeles VA 1,000+ USO Camp Casey, South Korea 115+ Wright-Patterson AFB USO Center 17
As a cofounder of the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, Gary helped to establish their Veterans Night program, a tradition that continues nearly thirty years later. Combining his longstanding love of the arts with his quest to serve our nation s defenders, Gary has brought Veterans Night to the Gary Sinise Foundation by creating our Arts & Entertainment Outreach program. Anyone who has served our nation may join us for dinner and a dress rehearsal performance by one of the world s premier theatre groups absolutely free of charge. In 2013, the program was extended to the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. We will be expanding to more theaters soon. 18
5,450+ local veterans attended Vets Night performances in Chicago & Los Angeles 3,770+ attendees of Steppenwolf Theatre 1,680+ attendees of Geffen Playhouse We really enjoyed it and were especially touched that the Foundation was so kind to sponsor so many vets. I m looking forward to hopefully attending more. -Maggie Dewan-Smith, Vets Night Attendee 19
Life can change in an instant, especially for our nation s defenders and their families. The Gary Sinise Foundation s Relief & Resiliency Outreach program was established to provide complete support to those recovering from trauma, injury or loss in times of urgent need. We re also helping to heal their emotional wounds by hosting exciting events and group activities for those enduring similar struggles. By building a community of strong friendships and forming joyful, lasting memories, they can find new hopes for the future together. Lending a helping hand during difficult times can become the pivotal moment that changes a life s direction. 20
5,705+ helped through their times of urgent need 3,860+ children & family members of the fallen 1,560+ wounded heroes 230+ veterans 17 participants of Veterans Court in Orange County, California 21 participants of Veterans Court in Downtown Los Angeles 16 participants of Veterans Court in Lancaster, CA 4 participants of Veterans Court in Joliet, IL I wanted to thank you and all who made the assistance possible, it meant a great deal to me during this time of seemingly endless bad luck... Again I say thank you from the deepest part of my heart and will remember always the kindness afforded to me. -Veterans Court program participant 21
The Gary Sinise Foundation is recognizing and supporting America s firefighters, police, and EMTs through its First Responders Outreach program. These men and women are indispensable to maintaining the safety of our communities. By providing funds for equipment and training, the Foundation is ensuring these heroes perform to the best of their abilities. They asked what equipment we really need and what we needed replaced. It means the world that they care. -Hope Mills Fire Department 22
Provided support to... Train 45 firefighters in Black Forest, CO Fund 2 seminars on firefighter health & safety attended by 900+ in Boston, MA Award 6 grants to Police, Fire and EMS services in Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and Connecticut 1,500+ attendees of the Los Angeles Law Enforcement & First Responder Appreciation Day And donated... Protective clothing & equipment for wildland firefighting operations in Sahuarita, AZ and Tucson, AZ 2 Lt. Dan vans to the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation 1 Lt. Dan rescuer boat and 1 first responder trailer to Hope Mills Fire Department and Cotton Fire, NC 1 utility vehicle to Chagrin Falls Fire Department, OH 15 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) to Ingalls Fire District, OK 23
Heroes Journey to The National WWII Museum Documenting and sharing the oral histories of the Greatest Generation With a hero s welcome, the Gary Sinise Foundation is bringing WWII veterans and their caregivers to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. One-of-a-kind experiences include a tour of this incredible museum, as well as entertainment, celebratory meals and an opportunity for community with their fellow veterans. Every WWII veteran is a living library. Their first-person accounts of the war are treasures to be preserved. Through Soaring Valor, we ve partnered with The National WWII Museum to record the individual stories of America s Greatest Generation and share them with the world. For those who cannot travel, we re sponsoring an historian from the museum to conduct interviews with WWII veterans in the comfort of their own homes. 24
480+ Soaring Valor Participants 130+ WWII veterans and 85+ of their guardians visited The National WWII Museum in New Orleans 265+ oral histories collected I m very appreciative for how this program treats our World War II veterans. Their efforts and sacrifices changed the character of our nation and I would like these men and women to be given the credit they deserve. Thank you for this opportunity and helping me understand and capture the history of what my father went through. Thank you. -Son of Soaring Valor WWII participant 25
V. Ambassadors Council Our Ambassadors Council represents the Gary Sinise Foundation and its mission through speaking engagements, public appearances and leadership opportunities. Each member is individually selected by our founder for their exceptional character and patriotism. As spokespersons, they proudly share our accomplishments and aspirations as well as their own stories of service. Located throughout the nation, our ambassadors inspire and educate new supporters by forming meaningful, personal connections. 26
US Army (Ret.), Sergeant Bryan Anderson Illinois US Navy EOD1 Andrew Bottrell California US Army (Ret.), Staff Sergeant Sammy L. Davis Indiana US Army (Ret.), Major Drew Dix New Mexico USMC (Ret.), Corporal Juan Dominguez California Tom Dreesen California Mary Eisenhower Missouri Chef Robert Irvine California US Army (Ret.), Master Sergeant Cedric King South Carolina US Army (Ret.), Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch Texas Sarah Lynch Texas Joe Mantegna California US Army (Ret.), Master Sergeant John Masson North Carolina US Army (Ret.), Staff Sergeant Travis Mills Maine US Navy (Ret.), Lieutenant Jason C. Redman Virginia US Army (Ret.), Captain Leslie Nicole Smith Virginia DB Sweeney Illinois US Army (Ret.), Sergeant First Class Michael Schlitz Georgia US Marines (Ret.) Colonel Jay R. Vargas California Special Operations Chief, US Navy SEAL Bill Wagasy California USMC (Ret.), Major Gary Weaver Kentucky Fire Captain (Ret.) John Woodall North Carolina 27
VI. Closing Quote Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should never take for granted. We must do all we can to extend our hand in times of need to those who willingly sacrifice each day to provide that freedom and security. While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation s defenders, we can always do a little more. -Gary Sinise 28
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION TO MAKE A DONATION OR FOR MORE INFORMATION Gary Sinise Foundation PO Box 50008 Studio City, CA 91614-5001 email donor@garysinisefoundation.org website GarySiniseFoundation.org All statistics reflect our accomplishments from June 2011 to October 10, 2016 29
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