Gary Sinise visits Luke, performs for troops

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Susan Stout
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  Best known for his “Forrest Gump” character, Gary Sinise and his band named for the character, the Lt. Dan Band, came here to perform for servicemembers and their families.

Mr. Sinise has been involved with veteran's groups for 20 years and has been performing with the United Service Organizations since June 2003.

After Sept. 11, 2001, Mr. Sinise said he felt it was important for him to do his part and support the nation's servicemembers. Since he volunteered with the USO, Mr. Sinise has made 15 trips to different locations worldwide.

"It's very important that we give back to these volunteers who serve our nation because they're on the front lines for us, and they need to know we care," he said. "Perhaps one of the reasons that I've jumped on board so strongly for the USO, and for supporting the servicemembers in this time of war, is that I do remember how our Vietnam veterans were treated when they came home, and we can never let that happen again."

During his travels, Mr. Sinise said one of the things that have made the greatest impact on him is meeting with the diverse population in the military.

"The military is a perfect example of what our country is -- diverse," he said. "There are a variety of people representing all corners and facets of American life and that was a wonderful thing to see."

On a trip to Iraq, Mr. Sinise also was affected by the children.

"I remember watching the children embrace the Soldiers in a way that we don't ever get to see on television," he said. "The everyday miracles that are happening there with the children going to school and the Soldiers embracing these kids and helping take care of the Iraqi people is something that deserves to be known and be talked about by people in America."

One thing Mr. Sinise said that not enough attention is paid to is the sacrifices that the families of servicemembers that are deployed make for us.

"I, for one, am well aware of (their) sacrifice having witnessed it firsthand in the different places I've traveled," he said. "It (is) a great thing for me to just be able to go and meet them and say 'thank you' to them; to wish them well and give them some encouragement, and let them know that people are grateful for the sacrifices that friends and family members make for our country when their loved ones are deployed."