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.
“Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good,” a Documentary Feature
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:
West Point Weekend: NCO Celebration & Lt. Dan Band Concert
This past weekend Gary and the Lt. Dan Band participated in West Point’s celebration of the U.S. Army’s Year of the NCO (noncommissioned officers) by performing a free public concert at Eisenhower Hall Theatre, West Point, New York. This was a very special weekend for Gary and his family as they have a strong personal connection to West Point.
Gary’s brother-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Boyd McCanna (”Mac”) Harris not only graduated from West Point, but, after 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, was an instructor of Military Leadership at the Point. In the 1980s, Lt. Col. Harris wrote the Army’s “Leadership Manual,” and much of it is still used today. After Lt. Col. Harris passed away from cancer at the age of 40, an award was named in his honor. Every year, West Point gives out a leadership award to the outstanding cadet in the name of Lt Col. Harris. This was the first time in many years that Gary and his family attended the award ceremony.
A few photos from ceremony and Lt. Dan Band show are below:
Click on photos to enlarge.
All photographs are the property of J. Treese and used with permission. Special thanks to J. Treese for his assistance and contribution to this update.
On Friday July 17th, Gary and the Lt. Dan Band performed a free public concert at Naval Station Great Lakes. Operation Homefront volunteer and faithful fan, Glenda C. was in attendance, and she has again graciously provided a few terrific photographs of Gary and the band.
For a list of upcoming Lt. Dan Band public concerts, click here.
Camp Casey & Yongsan Garrison Photos and On the Road with Kimo Blog
Gary and the Lt. Dan Band have been performing for troops in Korea the past few days as part of their Summer USO tour. On June 27th, the band performed for soldiers, families and friends at Camp Casey. Below are a few photos of the show taken by Diane Howard.
According to Diane, Major General Morgan presented the Lt. Dan Band with a little memento from Warrior Country.
All photos of Gary Sinise (above) taken by Diane Howard. Used with permission.
On June 29th, the band performed for more than 1000 soldiers at Youngsan Garrison. Click hereto read Cpl. Choi Keun-woo’s coverage of the show and see additional photos. This shot of Jeff, Kimo and Gary (immediately below) is a sample:
(U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Choi Keun-woo)
And finally, check out additional behind-the-scenes photographs and commentary about the tour by Gary’s friend and co-founder of Lt. Dan Band, Kimo Williams at On the Road with Kimo Williams.
Photo of Kimo Williams taken by Diane Howard. Used with permission.
Thanks so much to Diane for graciously sharing her photographs with the News page.
Thanks to youtuberSJulianYZ125 quality video of the Lt. Dan Band show at Kunsan on June 24th is available. A few selections are embedded below inlcuding a performance of “Baba O’Riley.”
Video of Gary at THR USO Function; Gary and Lt. Dan Band USO Summer Tour
As some of you may have already known, Gary attended a USO function hosted by Hollywood Reporter and Editor Elizabeth Guider in Beverly Hills last month. Video of Gary speaking at this event recently became available and is embedded below:
Some terrific still photographs of Gary at this event are available at CSI:Fanatic click here.
And while we are on the topic of Gary’s commitment to the USO, he and the Lt. Dan Band will soon be off on their USO Summer Tour (June 21st through July 5th) to perform for troops in Korea and Okinawa. We wish the band a safe journey and hope the men and woman in uniform have a fantastic time at the shows!