Gary Sinise is best known for his role as Lt. Dan Taylor in the 1994 blockbuster movie “Forrest Gump.” It earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor and a starring role on “CSI: NY.” Now the actor is using his fame to celebrate America’s heroes on the battlefield.
This week marked the debut of a documentary about Sinise’s role with the Lt. Dan Band. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Sinise formed the band — name after his character from “Forrest Gump” — to perform for servicemen and women. Filmmakers traveled around the world for two years to document the band’s work. Several celebrities, including Academy Award winners Jon Voight and Robert Duvall, appear in the film.
Sinise was in Washington last week and visited Heritage to talk about the military and how 9/11 changed his outlook on life.
“Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good” is available to view online or DVD. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Gary Sinise Foundation to support military, veterans, first responders and their families.

Very talented actor! With his quiet demeanor, Gary Sinese is all the more couragous for sharing his gratitude for his life his freedom to reach his potential within his ability, was able to establish in America. Too bad all in hollywood don't even think to give America or people in general, the same respect. Today's hollywood in general, sees us to be beneath them for sure but ourselves? No respect for our individualism but a showing support of government control over our individualism!
Thank you Mr. Sinese, and all in hollywood and music, who may be the minority but always be highly loved and respected for being true American patriots who's freedom brought you your ability to work hard for a driven success and who's talent inspires the interests of others, without holding the hand of government!
I salute you Lt. Dan
Thank You Gary , for your patriotism. For your love of country and those who make it possible for us to be FREE. Your actions are a Beacon of light in a vast field of darkness, May GOD continue to bless you and keep you safe for the next hundred years.
The military needs all the support they can get. So far the DoD is only targeting their pay and benefits for cuts. The federal workforce and bloated programs in the DoD as well as the big payouts to defense contractors are protected.
This guy is the real deal. So different from the Glitterati.
May God bless your ministry and thanks for being such a fine example for all of us to try to emulate.