By Sabrina Novacov
In an exclusive conversation with Great American Media’s President & CEO Bill Abbott, Gary Sinise opened up about the journey that has defined his life—both on and off the screen. Known for his roles in Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, CSI:NY and more, Sinise has also dedicated himself to a mission far greater than Hollywood fame. Through the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gary has transformed his gratitude for America’s defenders into a nationwide movement of service, hope, and healing.
To watch President & CEO Bill Abbott Exclusive Conversation with Gary Sinise: sign up for Great American Pure Flix Premium here!
A Mission Born from Gratitude
Gary Sinise’s journey of service is rooted in gratitude for those who sacrifice to protect and defend. What started as small acts of support has grown into a nationwide mission to honor, uplift, and care for America’s heroes and their families. His advocacy led him to build the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011 with a mission to honor defenders, veterans, first responders, their families.
Gary Sinise’s work at his foundation has earned him the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors—making him only the third actor ever to receive it.
By November this year, Gary & his team will have completed 100 custom smart homes for America’s wounded heroes nationwide.
“We try to build these houses to help restore their independence and empower them to feel stronger, and for their families to have more independence in how they care for them.” – Gary Sinise on Exclusive Conversations
With over 1.2 million meals served to heroes at home and abroad, 15k+ loved ones of fallen heroes have joined Foundation retreats and community events, and over 600 concerts performed by Sinise to uplift troops and their families, the foundation continues to make a wonderful positive impact.
September 11, 2001
“To honor and remember the sacrifices that have been made since that attack on the country…….we can never forget that. We don’t want to forget our defenders or the sacrifices they made.” – Gary Sinise on Exclusive Conversations
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, became a turning point in Gary Sinise’s life of service. Deeply moved by the sacrifice of first responders and the resilience of the nation, he leaned further into advocacy, lending his voice and presence to memorial efforts and expanding his support to firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel. Sinise recognized that those who “run toward danger” also needed lasting care and honor, which has dedicated him to making sure America’s heroes and their families are never forgotten.
Mac Sinise
Family has always been at the heart of Gary Sinise’s mission, and his son, Mac Sinise, carries that legacy forward in spirit. As a talented musician, Mac, often played alongside his father before facing his own battle with a rare form of cancer. Though he passed away, Mac’s courage and creativity continue to inspire the Sinise family and the Foundation’s work. Before his passing, Mac wanted to make vinyl albums with all proceeds of album sales donated to his father’s foundation.
“He never wanted me to stop doing what I was doing with the mission for the Gary Sinise Foundation.” – Gary Sinise on Exclusive Conversations
Gary has spoken openly about how his son’s strength deepened his own commitment to bringing hope and healing to others in the midst of hardship.
To purchase Mac’s music - https://store.garysinisefoundation.org/collections/merchandise/products/mac-sinise-resurrection-revival-on-vinyl
A Legacy of Service
“While we can never do enough for our nation's heroes, we can always do a little more.” – Gary Sinise
Gary Sinise continues to prove that true stardom shines brightest when it is used in service of others.
At the Gary Sinise Foundation, the mission is clear: “to honor defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need by creating programs that entertain, educate, inspire, and build community”.
Learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation here: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@macsinise7489
Want to watch more Exclusive Conversations with President & CEO Bill Abbott, sign up for Great American Pure Flix Premium here: https://www.pureflix.com/memberships/premium
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