2021 Marconi Award Honoree: Gary Sinise

guglIelmO marcOnI award - 2021 hOnOree Gary Sinise

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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. 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 to 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 in 2003, Sinise formed the “Lt. Dan Band” in early 2004 and began entertaining troops serving at home and abroad. The band now performs close to 50 shows a year for military bases, charities and fundraisers supporting veterans and troops around the world.

In 2011, Sinise established the Gary Sinise Foundation with a mission to serve our country by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. The Foundation’s four programmatic pillars are their way of “doing a little more” for those who sacrifice so much for the country.

The Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) Program builds 100% mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders, and their families. These “forever homes” are tailored to the specific needs of each wounded hero and are specially designed to ease the daily challenges faced by these heroes and their families, who sacrifice so much alongside them. The R.I.S.E. program also provides home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to heroes with injuries and medical conditions. The Foundation’s Relief and Resiliency Program supports our nation’s defenders and their families through any hardships they face, and offers complete support before, during, and after the battle through flagship initiatives like Snowball Express, the Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network, and more. The Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network is a cognitive health and mental wellness network that provides transformative care, free-of-charge, to veterans and first responders experiencing post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse.

The Foundation’s Community and Education Program bridges the gap between the defender and civilian communities through initiatives that honor America’s heroes, both past and present, and inspire the next generation to do the same. The Community Outreach & Education initiatives include Soaring Valor, Serving Heroes, Arts & Entertainment Outreach, and more. Lastly, the First Responders Outreach Program honors firefighters, police, paramedics, and EMTs who sacrifice so much every day to ensure our safety. Through the First Responders Outreach Program, the Gary Sinise Foundation provides funding to departments across the country for essential equipment, PPE, emergency relief, and training to ensure our first responders are able to perform to the best of their abilities.

Sinise serves as spokesperson for both the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation and Disabled American Veterans. He serves on executive councils for The Medal of Honor Foundation and the USO, and is an advisory board member for Hope for the Warriors.

In recognition of his humanitarian work on behalf of our troops and veterans, 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 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 West Point’s Thayer 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, only the third actor ever to receive this honor. He was recently named an honorary Chief Petty Officer by the Navy and an Honorary Marine by the United States Marine Corp.

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.