Gary Sinise looks out the cockpit window of a U-2 Dragon Lady June 8, 2011, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., after returning from a high flight at 70,000 feet. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sarah Brown)
Gary Sinise receives a pre-flight briefing about the implements and functions of the U-2 Dragon Lady flight suit June 7, 2011, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Rebeccah Anderson)
Gary Sinise receives a mission brief June 7, 2011, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., prior to beginning training to take a high flight to 70,000 feet in a U-2 Dragon Lady. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sean Bhakta)
6/10/2011 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Even though he has been a strong military supporter and philanthropist, most remember Gary Sinise by his award-winning role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor from the 1994 film "Forrest Gump."
Mr. Sinise visited here June 6 to 9 to document the capabilities of the U-2 Dragon Lady and meet with Airmen to boost morale.
"Wherever I go for the military, they always call me Lt. Dan," he said. "What I really want to be remembered as is a good father, a man who does what he needs to take care of his family and someone who supports the troops that protect the country I live in. It's a dangerous world out there and anytime anything happens, the U.S. military is there to help."
A film crew documented Mr. Sinise's trip to Beale Air Force Base, including training for a high flight, which will be used to tell the U-2 story and highlight Beale AFB's mission on network television.
Mr. Sinise described the preparation for the June 8 flight as a daunting process that took almost every ounce of energy he had. After spending time in an altitude chamber, simulating loss of cabin pressure at 70,000 feet, he said his ears hurt and his body was fatigued because of the stress.
"All the information that was thrown at me throughout the day was enough to fill anyone's head," he said. "But then being in the chamber, and doing egress training after that, really made it the most difficult part of this whole experience. I was totally exhausted."
Even though the preparation was hard work, Mr. Sinise said it was worth it in the end as three Pontiac G8 chase cars led the black-and-red Dragon Lady out to the flightline. Within minutes, he was being propelled in the jet piloted by a 1st Reconnaissance Squadron pilot to their 70,000 feet destination.
"Being up there was unbelievable," said Mr. Sinise, as he reviewed post-flight video clips from his trip to the brink of space. "I can't believe that was really me up there. I just can't believe I did that."
Although he was involved in the intense preparation required to go up in a U-2, throughout his training and after his flight, Mr. Sinise took time to meet with Beale AFB Airmen.
He thanked Airmen for their service to the country and expressed his appreciation for the missions at Beale AFB.
"I generally don't get stirred up by celebrities, but it was nice to have such a big military supporter here and to be thanked for our service by someone of that magnitude," said a 9th Communications Squadron ground radar maintenance technician. "It really meant a lot. There is more weight in what he says because he shows his patriotism with his character, not just on the screen, but off."
After spending three days at Beale AFB, experiencing a little of what it takes to be a U-2 pilot and flying at 70,000 feet, Mr. Sinise said the highlight of the whole experience was being able to do something for his county that not every person can.
"Training, going for a ride in this incredible airplane and spending time with the Airmen of Beale was a great experience," he said. "Overall I am just glad that I am going to be able to take what I have learned these past few days and share it with a grateful nation that is protected by our great military."
(Courtesy of 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs)
Comments
6/18/2011 10:46:02 AM ET Gary, you rock in more ways than one. Thanks for all you do.
JB, FL
6/14/2011 3:08:54 AM ET Indeed Gary is the real deal, not a poser. He's a celebrity who loves his country and the military community and is not afraid to say so. I miss the Beale ISR mission. Hello to all the peeps in 9 MXS and across the base. Keep doing what you do so well. Miss you guys! In God we trust. All others we monitor...
Karen Gardiner, Japan
6/10/2011 9:47:02 PM ET Gary is a true patriot and fantastic supporter of our military members and families. He has made many trips to the AOR, and he does it without personal publicity.
