MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Gary Sinise visited the service members and civilians of U.S. Central Command during his trip to Tampa May 10.
Sinise, who has a nephew serving in the military, visited the men and women in uniform, and all those who support them, to thank them and promote his benefit concert held later that evening.
“I don’t think there is ever enough we can do to show how thankful we are to you guys for what you do for this country,” Sinise said to Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe, USCENTCOM senior enlisted leader. “I’m always looking for ways to do more for you guys.”
Grippe took Sinise on a short tour of the USCENTCOM headquarters building to the various offices for members to meet with him and take photos with him. Following his tour, Sinise was met by approximately 300 USCENTCOM members who lined up to take a picture with him.
Sinise and his band, The Lt. Dan Band, performed a benefit concert in Tampa that evening to raise funds to build a custom home for Sgt. Mike Nicholson, who lost both of his legs and his left arm during combat operations. His new house will have several technological features including countertops and cabinets that adjust to his height via smart phone or tablet.