Gary Sinise News & Updates

Operation Troop Aid Honors Gary Sinise With ‘Patriot Award’

Deb K — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:53:26 +0000

NASHVILLE, Nov. 2 /Christian Newswire/ — Operation Troop Aid (OTA), a nonprofit organization which supports deployed U.S. soldiers, recently honored Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning actor Gary Sinise with the 2009 Operation Troop Aid “Patriot Award.”

Presented annually by OTA to celebrities that champion the men and women serving in the American Armed Forces, the CSI: NY actor was awarded the Eagle Trophy for visiting troops overseas and at local hospitals, securing funds for various military charities and for raising awareness for deployed military through being executive producer of Brothers at War, a documentary film about military families during the Iraq war. Well known for his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the acclaimed film, Forrest Gump, Sinise further travels and performs for troops as a member of his own Lt. Dan Band.

“I am honored to receive this great award,” says Sinise. “I am just doing what I love to do – supporting our brave men and women who give their lives for our freedom.”

In addition to receiving the Eagle Trophy and a bottle of Red, White and Blueberry Valenzano Patriotic Wine, Sinise joins past Patriot Award recipients and OTA supporters Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Darryl Worley, Aaron Tippin, Stephen Cochran and Adam Gregory as an Honorary OTA Board Member. $2500 worth of OTA care packages were also sent to deployed US Troops in Sinise’s name.

OTA founder and executive director Mark Woods says, “There are a number of gracious celebrities that are doing so much to support deployed U.S. Troops and Gary continues to go above and beyond the call of patriotic dedication. For that, OTA and all the men and women serving our country are grateful.”

Sinise currently stars in CBS’s CSI: NY as Detective Mac Taylor. He recently narrated a biography for Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor at the Republican National Convention in support of John McCain’s candidacy for President of the United States of America. In December 2008 he was awarded the Presidential Citizen Medal, the second highest civilian medal awarded to U.S. civilians, for his humanitarian contributions to Iraqi school children and his involvement supporting U.S. Soldiers.

Photo: OTA founder and executive director Mark Woods, Gary Sinise and Wanda Woods (Trophy Courtesy of Custom Trophy & Apparel-Florence KY)

Founded in 2005 by 21-year military veteran, Mark Woods, Operation Troop Aid provides care packages for deployed U.S. Service Members with revenue generated through professional concert promotions and public financial generosity. OTA is a nonprofit corporation striving to make a positive difference and inspire the Armed Forces by letting them know Americans stand with them. For more information on OTA, visit www.OperationTroopAid.org or call 901-355-8844.

“Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good,” a Documentary Feature

Deb K — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:24:45 +0000

This evening in Los Angeles, Gary, and those who inspire him, took part in the First West Coast Advanced Tribute Screening of Jonathan Flora’s documentary feature, Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good.

The Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good is a moving documentary feature film that celebrates America’s heroes and chronicles the journey of Academy Award nominated actor, Gary Sinise. By following Gary and his band around the world for over a year and a half, including Iraq and Kuwait, Flora introduces the audience to many of the heroic first responders, the brave men and women in uniform, their families and the many wonderful citizens that support them.

The documentary has an amazing soundtrack and special appearances by numerous celebrities, including John Ratzenberger, Melina Kanakaredes, Mykelti Williamson, Connie Stevens, and Academy Award Winners, Jon Voight and Robert Duvall. Produced and directed by Hollywood filmmaker and 82nd Airborne Veteran Jonathan Flora, this film is that rare movie that entertains even as it inspires.

The first Advance Tribute Screening was held last month in NY on board the USS Intrepid during the weekend of 9/11 for over 1100 first responders, military personnel, and their families.

Information as to when and where the documentary will be released to the public will be posted when available.

Special thanks to J. Treese for sharing this news.

USO Gala at Navy Pier

Deb K — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:58:37 +0000

Gary and the Lt. Dan Band performed at the USO-Illinois Star-Spangled Gala this past weekend in Chicago. The event is held each year to honor and support the men, women and families of the U. S. Armed Forces. Proceeds from the event help support the USO of Illinois including 4 USO centers in the Chicagoland area and more than a 1000 programs and services offering support to military members and families throughout the state of Illinois.

Long-time Sinise fan, Glenda C. attended the Gala (thanks to sponsorship from Operation Homefront-IL for her volunteer efforts). Glenda has kindly shared a few of her photographs from the evening:

Gary Emcees Patriot Award Dinner in Chicago

Deb K — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 01:58:56 +0000

Gary participated in the 2009 Chicago Commit to Courage Medal of Honor Ceremonies this weekend as Master of Ceremonies for the Patriot Award Dinner held on Saturday, September 19th. The Patriot Award, recognizing a lifetime of outstanding service to the armed forces, was presented to Mayor and Mrs. Richard M. Daley, The Tex McCrary Award to journalist and historian Rick Atkinson, The Citizenship Award to Richard Duchossois of Arlington Park, and The Bob Hope Award to Chicago’s own, Bill Kurtis.

CSI:NY - Shooting in NYC this week

Deb K — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 01:05:21 +0000

For anyone in the New York City area this week, a reliable source shares that CSI:NY is shooting at the Battery Park Heliport on Tuesday. The time is unknown but probably a.m. Gary should be there, but please keep in mind things like this are always subject to change.

Gary Hosting Reception at The Best of the GI Film Festival Road Show

Deb K — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:39:51 +0000

On Saturday, September 26th, Gary and the Ronald Reagan Foundation will present the award winning GI Film Festival “Road Show” at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library in Simi Valley, California. The event is to screen the Best of the Festival from the GI Film Festival held earlier this year in Washington, D.C. Following the primetime screening, there will be a VIP reception with Gary as special guest. Please visit: GI Film Festival for further details and ticket information.

Also this month, Gary is among the performers scheduled to appear at the Beacon Theatre as part of the 09/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance ceremonies.

Gary Featured in American Way Magazine

Deb K — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:51:42 +0000

The August issue of American Way magazine features an excellent article about Gary. The entire piece is available on-line here.

Thanks to Jerry C. for the tip!

West Point Weekend: NCO Celebration & Lt. Dan Band Concert

Deb K — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:39:31 +0000

This past weekend Gary and the Lt. Dan Band participated in West Point’s celebration of the U.S. Army’s Year of the NCO (noncommissioned officers) by performing a free public concert at Eisenhower Hall Theatre, West Point, New York. This was a very special weekend for Gary and his family as they have a strong personal connection to West Point.

Gary’s brother-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Boyd McCanna (”Mac”) Harris not only graduated from West Point, but, after 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, was an instructor of Military Leadership at the Point. In the 1980s, Lt. Col. Harris wrote the Army’s “Leadership Manual,” and much of it is still used today. After Lt. Col. Harris passed away from cancer at the age of 40, an award was named in his honor. Every year, West Point gives out a leadership award to the outstanding cadet in the name of Lt Col. Harris. This was the first time in many years that Gary and his family attended the award ceremony.

A few photos from ceremony and Lt. Dan Band show are below:

Click on photos to enlarge.

All photographs are the property of J. Treese and used with permission. Special thanks to J. Treese for his assistance and contribution to this update.

Naval Station Great Lakes Concert Photos

Deb K — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:52:04 +0000

On Friday July 17th, Gary and the Lt. Dan Band performed a free public concert at Naval Station Great Lakes. Operation Homefront volunteer and faithful fan, Glenda C. was in attendance, and she has again graciously provided a few terrific photographs of Gary and the band.

For a list of upcoming Lt. Dan Band public concerts, click here.

Thank you Glenda!

Camp Casey & Yongsan Garrison Photos and On the Road with Kimo Blog

Deb K — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:31:30 +0000

Gary and the Lt. Dan Band have been performing for troops in Korea the past few days as part of their Summer USO tour. On June 27th, the band performed for soldiers, families and friends at Camp Casey. Below are a few photos of the show taken by Diane Howard.

According to Diane, Major General Morgan presented the Lt. Dan Band with a little memento from Warrior Country.

All photos of Gary Sinise (above) taken by Diane Howard. Used with permission.

On June 29th, the band performed for more than 1000 soldiers at Youngsan Garrison. Click hereto read Cpl. Choi Keun-woo’s coverage of the show and see additional photos. This shot of Jeff, Kimo and Gary (immediately below) is a sample:

(U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Choi Keun-woo)

And finally, check out additional behind-the-scenes photographs and commentary about the tour by Gary’s friend and co-founder of Lt. Dan Band, Kimo Williams at On the Road with Kimo Williams.

Photo of Kimo Williams taken by Diane Howard. Used with permission.

Thanks so much to Diane for graciously sharing her photographs with the News page.