Gary Sinise has really set the bar for all kind, selfless, and overall wholesome charitable acts.
The actor has long stood up for the rights of war veterans and their families and even set up the Gary Sinise Foundation, which serves the needs of veterans, defenders, first responders, their families, and communities.
And now, the Gary Sinise Foundation has partnered with the Snowball Express organization by taking the families of the fallen veterans to experience the magic of Walt Disney World in Florida… All for no cost at all.
Keep scrolling to read more about Sinise’s fantastic gesture, and to hear about the difference he has been making to these families’ lives.
The Illinois-born Sinise is an actor, director, musician, and philanthropist, who has starred in several different blockbuster movies.
But he is best remembered for his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump.
Lieutenant Dan, as he became fondly known as, Forrest’s Lieutenant while he was serving in the Vietnam War.
Lieutenant Dan was severely injured while serving for his country and tragically lost both his legs. The character subsequently slips into a deep depression and eventually winds up living rough on the streets after returning to the U.S.
And his portrayal of the troubled Lieutenant in the landmark film formed an enduring connection with servicemen and women throughout the military community.
And, in 2011, the actor launched the Gary Sinise Foundation.
It’s a truly remarkable work.
As well as raising money, the foundation also aims to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build the communities affected by the impacts of war.
He also has a musical passion …
And, in 2003, he gathered his ‘jam band’ from Chicago and thus formed the Lt. Dan Band. “Everyone was calling me Lt. Dan all the time, so the band’s name was obvious,” Sinise explained.
With a band motto of “Honor, Gratitude and Rock & Roll”, Sinise aims to lift the spirits and boost the morale of the nation’s veterans, first responders and the loved ones who sacrifice alongside them.
The foundation also supports the Snowball Express.
This has a distinctive goal …
And that’s to serving the children, surviving spouses, and guardians of our countries fallen military heroes — The Gold Star Families, as Sinise calls them.
“That’s our primary goal,” Sinise explained, “for our Gold Star families to feel remembered and for them to see that they are not alone.”
“It’s something I feel is incredibly important for our nation, letting the children know that we do not forget their sacrifices and we honor them. And it’s such a great feeling to see them healing, smiling, and having fun.”
The foundation has gone from strength to strength!
The Snowball Express was able to gain support from Disney, who offered to relocate their annual 5-day-trip to the Walt Disney World resort in Florida.
Thousands of the children of our country’s fallen soldiers have been able to experience one of the most magical places on earth.
And were each granted special entry into the park over a 5-day visit.
600 flags were lined up at Disney World to represent each of their loved ones lost in combat.
Because the Disney World trip runs every year, and Sinise has no plans on slowing down.
Children and families have also been taken to meet sea lions in Atlanta, and are flown all over the U.S. to various attractions. These families need all the help and support that they can get, and the Gary Sinise Foundation is working tirelessly to make their lives that little bit more magical.