Affectionately known as “Lieutenant Dan” for his role in the award winning film Forest Gump, Gary Sinise was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award during a gala at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 5.
“As you all may know, not all heroes are made on the battlefield,” said Joe Mantegna, American actor and friend of Sinise. “All I can tell you is knowing this man for as long as I have for 40 years, his status as a patriot is only equal by his status as a husband, as a father and as a friend. Therefore, it really is my pleasure and privilege to award the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award to my friend, Gary Sinise.”
Sinise humbly took the stage in front of friends, family and supporters. Teary eyed and enthusiastic, he shook the hand of Medal of Honor recipient Drew D. Dix and accepted the award for his nearly four decades of work helping service members, veterans, first responders and their families.
“To receive this award from them is very special,” say Sinise. “I’ve been involved with the society for many years going back to 2007 and I’ve done many events with them. I’ve made such good friends amongst this incredible group of people and to have them acknowledge me is just a great, great honor.”
Sinise began his work as an advocate of service members in the early 1980s, supporting Vietnam veterans groups and creating Vets Night, a program offering free dinners and performances to veterans. Continuing to the 1990s in support of the Disabled American Veterans organization he raised awareness and support for wounded service members. Since the attacks of 9/11, his dedication to those who serve or served became a crusade of service and gratitude.
Sinise’s portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the film Forest Gump further strengthened his connection with the military community. After several United Service Organization (USO) handshake tours, Sinise formed the “Lt. Dan Band” in 2003 and began touring to entertain troops in early 2004. Since then, the band has performed hundreds of concerts on military bases and for charities and fundraisers in support of wounded heroes, Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world.
Sinise has also formed his own foundation to expand upon his individual efforts and is a spokesperson and board member for various organizations in support of veterans, service members and their families.
Sinise received the award alongside David McIntyre, president and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance. TriWest Healthcare Alliance ensures veterans in roughly half the nation have access to health care when it is unable to be provided directly by the Veterans Administration.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award is bestowed upon an individual who possesses the highest caliber of ethics and selfless dedication in the demonstration of the six values embodied by the Medal of Honor: courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship and patriotism. Every year the society honors Americans who have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of work upholding the ideals represented by the society. It is the highest award the society grants.
| Date Taken: | 02.11.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.11.2020 12:41 |
| Story ID: | 362582 |
| Location: | SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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