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.
Keep scrolling to read more about Sinise's fantastic gesture, and to hear about the difference he has been making to these families' lives.
Who is Gary Sinise?
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The Illinois-born Sinise is an actor, director, musician, and philanthropist, who has starred in several different blockbuster movies.He has become widely recognized because of his roles...
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Sinise appeared and starred in an array of different movies such as Of Mice and Men, Apollo 13, and The Green Mile.But he is best remembered for his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump.
But, like many war veterans...
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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.Sinese's performance was raw, and incredibly moving to watch.
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And his portrayal of the troubled Lieutenant in the landmark film formed an enduring connection with servicemen and women throughout the military community.Sinise has gone on to dedicate a large proportion of his life to honor and help U.S. military veterans.
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And, in 2011, the actor launched the Gary Sinise Foundation.The Gary Sinise Foundation aims to serve and honor the nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families.
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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 puts his musical abilities to good use...
Honored to play here at The Villages for our nations veterans and defenders! https://t.co/cVn8ciT2Vz— Gary Sinise (@Gary Sinise)1572216279.0
The actor has a background in bass guitar...
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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," Gary explained.The Lt. Dan Band now performs worldwide.
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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 Snowball Express has one aim...
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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.The organization wants to help these families with their grief.
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"That's our primary goal," Gary 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."And, since joining forces with The Gary Sinise Foundation in 2017...
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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.Now, thanks to Sinise's foundation...
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Thousands of the children of our country's fallen soldiers have been able to experience one of the most magical places on earth.The families were flown to Orlando...
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And were each granted special entry into the park over a 5-day visit.And, to add that extra touch...
We Remember. Each flag representing the fallen hero of over 600 families attending  @GarySiniseFound 2018 Snowball… https://t.co/5Phj2r0VAQ— Gary Sinise (@Gary Sinise)1544648637.0
The foundation has put a smile on the faces of over a thousand children...
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1,750 children, to be precise.And that number is only going to continue growing.
Disney World isn't the only location that the foundation includes...
Their smiles say it all! So happy to see @GarySiniseFound Snowball Express serving the children of our nation’s fal… https://t.co/kjgfUxw7Tf— Gary Sinise (@Gary Sinise)1565459795.0