Hollywood Television’s Ron Jacobson recently shared this report about Gary and his humanitarian efforts with the Lt. Dan Band and Operation International Children.  Recorded just before Gary’s trip to Afghanistan last year, the video includes footage from the band’s performance at the CSI:NY mid-season bash and comments from Gary about playing with the band and his work with USO and OIC.  

Gary stopped by the Fender 2010 Showcase currently underway in Anaheim, CA and chatted with Tony Franklin:

Follow the Fender Showcase via their blog here.

In October 2009, Gary was honored by the Iraq Star Foundation, at their Night for Stars benefit.  The foundation is a non-profit organization that provides reconstructive surgery to American soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan wars and is funded entirely by public donations.   

In conjunction with the event, TLC’s American Chopper:OCC  was asked to build a bike to benefit the foundation.  The video just below includes comments from Gary, a few scenes from the show and clips from the charity event! Watch to see Gary (and Moira) and pay close attention — sale of the bike raised $100K for the foundation!

The entire American Chopper episode (which aired in December 2009) is available at Amazon.com.

NASHVILLE, Nov. 2 /Christian Newswire/ — Operation Troop Aid (OTA), a nonprofit organization which supports deployed U.S. soldiers, recently honored Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning actor Gary Sinise with the 2009 Operation Troop Aid “Patriot Award.”

Photo: OTA founder and executive director Mark Woods, Gary Sinise and Wanda Woods (Trophy Courtesy of Custom Trophy & Apparel-Florence KY)

Founded in 2005 by 21-year military veteran, Mark Woods, Operation Troop Aid provides care packages for deployed U.S. Service Members with revenue generated through professional concert promotions and public financial generosity. OTA is a nonprofit corporation striving to make a positive difference and inspire the Armed Forces by letting them know Americans stand with them. For more information on OTA, visit www.OperationTroopAid.org or call 901-355-8844.

This evening in Los Angeles, Gary, and those who inspire him, took part in the First West Coast Advanced Tribute Screening of Jonathan Flora’s documentary feature, Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good.

The Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good is a moving documentary feature film that celebrates America’s heroes and chronicles the journey of Academy Award nominated actor, Gary Sinise.  By following Gary and his band around the world for over a year and a half, including Iraq and Kuwait, Flora introduces the audience to many of the heroic first responders, the brave men and women in uniform, their families and the many wonderful citizens that support them.
 
The documentary has an amazing soundtrack and special appearances by numerous celebrities, including John Ratzenberger, Melina Kanakaredes, Mykelti Williamson, Connie Stevens, and Academy Award Winners, Jon Voight and Robert Duvall.  Produced and directed by Hollywood filmmaker and 82nd Airborne Veteran Jonathan Flora, this film is that rare movie that entertains even as it inspires.

The first Advance Tribute Screening was held last month in NY on board the USS Intrepid during the weekend of 9/11 for over 1100 first responders, military personnel, and their families.  

Information as to when and where the documentary will be released to the public will be posted when  available.  

Special thanks to J. Treese for sharing this news.

Gary and the Lt. Dan Band performed at the USO-Illinois Star-Spangled Gala this past weekend in Chicago. The event is held each year to honor and support the men, women and families of the U. S. Armed Forces.  Proceeds from the event help support the USO of Illinois including 4 USO centers in the Chicagoland area and more than a 1000 programs and services offering support to military members and families throughout the state of Illinois. 

Long-time Sinise fan, Glenda C. attended the Gala (thanks to sponsorship from Operation Homefront-IL for her volunteer efforts).  Glenda has kindly shared a few of her photographs from the evening:   

Gary participated in the 2009 Chicago Commit to Courage Medal of Honor Ceremonies this weekend as Master of Ceremonies for the Patriot Award Dinner held on Saturday, September 19th.   The Patriot Award, recognizing a lifetime of outstanding service to the armed forces, was presented to Mayor and Mrs. Richard M. Daley, The Tex McCrary Award to journalist and historian Rick Atkinson, The Citizenship Award to Richard Duchossois of Arlington Park, and The Bob Hope Award to Chicago’s own, Bill Kurtis.  

For anyone in the New York City area this week, a reliable source shares that CSI:NY is shooting at the Battery Park Heliport on Tuesday.  The time is unknown but probably a.m.  Gary should be there, but please keep in mind things like this are always subject to change.

On Saturday, September 26th, Gary and the Ronald Reagan Foundation will present the award winning GI Film Festival “Road Show” at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library in Simi Valley, California.   The event is to screen the Best of the Festival from the GI Film Festival held earlier this year in Washington, D.C. Following the primetime screening, there will be a VIP reception with Gary as special guest.  Please visit: GI Film Festival for further details and ticket information.

Also this month, Gary is among the performers scheduled to appear at the Beacon Theatre as part of the 09/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance ceremonies.