guidebook - Gary Sinise Foundation

2015
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
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I.
OUR MISSION
II.
OUR HISTORY
III.
GARY SINISE BIOGRAPHY
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
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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.
Our History
The experiences of war leave an indelible impact on our servicemen and women. 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.
In 2012, the Gary Sinise Foundation began building custom Smart Homes for America’s
severely wounded veterans through its Building for America’s Bravest partner program.
Each Smart Home features automated amenities to ease the daily challenges these heroes
face. In 2013, the Gary Sinise Foundation expanded these efforts by establishing its
R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence & Supporting Empowerment).
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 and training 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 and
documents their first-hand accounts of the war for future generations.
In four years, the Gary Sinise Foundation has grown beyond all expectations. Today, it
is sustained by the generosity of over 18,000 donors. The importance of its mission is
recognized by supporters all over the world.
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III.
Gary Sinise
For over 30 years, Gary Sinise has
stood as an advocate on behalf of
America’s servicemen and women.
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 servicemen and women 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
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awards including the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment from the Medal of Honor
Society, the Spirit of the USO Award, the 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 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.
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IV.
Our Programs
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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.
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Home is more than a house.
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It’s where loved ones gather. It’s where we
for America’s Bravest partner program,
take comfort from the world. It’s the center
we’re building custom Smart Homes all
around which our lives revolve. For our
across the country. Our partnership with the
nation’s severely wounded heroes, however,
Carrington Companies provides hands-on
life at home can be a constant battle. Without
management and real estate expertise from
features designed for their needs, small tasks
land purchase to construction. With a place
can present insurmountable challenges. Both
to truly call home, these heroes and their
through R.I.S.E. and through our Building
families can move forward with their lives.
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Smart Homes completed or underway both
through R.I.S.E. and through our Building
for America’s Bravest partner program
130+
Wounded heroes, their families & caregivers supported
3
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Home modifications
Adapted vehicles for families of wounded heroes
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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 Smart Home recipient
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Honor. Gratitude. Rock & Roll.
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That’s the mission of every Lt. Dan Band
at benefit concerts across the country or
concert. There’s something for everyone as the
headlining our own Invincible Spirit Festivals,
twelve-member group covers hits from every
the band entertains, educates, inspires and
genre. Whether boosting morale on military
builds communities with its explosive live
bases at home and abroad, raising awareness
show everywhere it goes.
315+
concerts performed worldwide for
our nation’s defenders & their families
180+
140+
USO concerts
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
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The heroic spirit displayed by our wounded
atmosphere to one of our nation’s military
service members throughout their difficult
medical hospitals complete with a live Lt. Dan
rehabilitation is an inspiration. To show our
Band concert and a delicious cookout donated
gratitude for their sacrifices, our Invincible
by Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine. By providing
Spirit Festivals celebrate the courage not only of
a respite from the rigors of their medical
these heroes but of their families and caregivers
treatment, these festivals offer a reminder of
as well. Each daylong festival brings a fair-like
hope and positivity along the road to recovery.
50,000+
Spirits lifted during medical rehabilitation
10,000+ Naval Medical Center San Diego (2013-14-15)
20,000+ San Antonio Military Medical Center (2013-14-15)
12,000+ Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (2013-14)
8,000+ Fort Belvoir (2013)
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“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
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“Thank you for providing a tasty meal. It’s nice to know
people have not forgotten the troops. Thanks again.”
-SSgt. Tiffany Walker
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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.
With five locations at major travel hubs across the
nation, we’re already expanding our efforts to include
other venues and additional airports nationwide.
27,700+
Meals served to our nation’s defenders
6,400+ USO@LAX
8,550+ USO@DFW
5,980+ USO@San Diego
1,700+ USO@Great Lakes
4,300+ USO@Las Vegas
50+ USO@Nashville
400+ Naval Medical Center San Diego
180+ Ft. Belvoir
150+ Walter Reed Military Medical Center
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As a cofounder of the Steppenwolf Theatre
Entertainment Outreach program. Anyone
in Chicago, Gary helped to establish their
who has served our nation may join us for
Veterans Night program, a tradition that
dinner and a dress rehearsal performance by
continues nearly thirty years later. Combining
one of the world’s premier theatre groups
his longstanding love of the arts with his
absolutely free of charge. In 2013, the program
quest to serve our nation’s defenders, Gary
was extended to the Geffen Playhouse in
has brought Veterans Night to the Gary
Los Angeles. We will be expanding to more
Sinise Foundation by creating our Arts &
theaters soon.
4,070+
Local veterans attended ‘Vets Night’
performances in Chicago & Los Angeles
3,100+ Attendees of Steppenwolf Theatre
1,025+ 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
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Life can change in an instant, especially
hosting exciting events and group activities
for our nation’s defenders and their
for those enduring similar struggles. By
families. The Gary Sinise Foundation’s
building a community of strong friendships
Relief & Resiliency Outreach program was
and forming joyful, lasting memories, they
established to provide complete support
can find new hopes for the future together.
to those recovering from trauma, injury
Lending a helping hand during difficult
or loss in times of urgent need. We’re also
times can become the pivotal moment that
helping to heal their emotional wounds by
changes a life’s direction.
1,290+
Helped through their times of urgent need
162+
Children & family members of the fallen
944+
Wounded heroes
156+
Veterans
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Participants of Veterans Court in
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Participants of Veterans Court in
Orange County, California
Downtown Los Angeles
“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
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Through the generosity of the American people, the Gary Sinise
Foundation has provided financial support, training and outreach that has
impacted first responders, their families and foundations across America.
Provided support to train 45 firefighters in Black Forest, Colorado
Donated personal protection clothing and equipment for wild land firefighting operations in Tucson, AZ
Donated 2 Lt. Dan Vans to the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation
Awarded 6 grants to Police, Fire and EMS services in
Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas and Connecticut
1 Lt. Dan rescuer boat and 1 first responder trailer to transport equipment
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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
a historian from the museum to conduct interviews with WWII veterans in the
comfort of their own homes.
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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.
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Tom Dreesen
US Army (Ret.), Sergeant
US Army (Ret.), Staff Sergeant
US Army (Ret.), Major
USMC (Ret.), Corporal
Bryan Anderson
Sammy L. Davis
Drew Dix
Juan Dominguez
Illinois
Indiana
New Mexico
California
Chef Robert Irvine
US Army (Ret.), Master Sergeant
US Army (Ret.), Lt. Gen.
Cedric King
Rick Lynch
Sarah Lynch
Joe Mantegna
South Carolina
Texas
Texas
California
US Army (Ret.), Master Sergeant
US Army (Ret.), Staff Sergeant
US Navy (Ret.), Lieutenant
US Army (Ret.), Captain
John Masson
Travis Mills
Jason C. Redman
Leslie Nicole Smith
DB Sweeney
North Carolina
Maine
Virginia
Virginia
US Army (Ret.), Sergeant First Class
US Marines (Ret.) Colonel
USMC (Ret.), Major
Fire Captain (Ret.)
Michael Schlitz
Jay R. Vargas
Gary Weaver
John Woodall
Georgia
California
Kentucky
North Carolina
California
California
Illinois
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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 a l w a ys do a
little m o re.”
-Gary Sinise
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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
[email protected]
website
GarySiniseFoundation.org
The figures listed in this guidebook reflect our accomplishments from June 2011 to July 2015
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g a ry si n isef o u n d atio n.or g