MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Gary Sinise and The Lt. Dan Band entertained hundreds of Pendleton residents during a concert aimed at promoting awareness of the severity of combat and daily stress.

Representatives from TRICARE and the United Services Organization welcomed attendees and provided information about the newly developed DSTRESS Hotline phone number.

“Marines feel strong all the time and believe they are invincible even when faced with some of the toughest problems,” said Sinise. “But they must remember that we are all human and sometimes we just need to reach out for help and that’s where the DSTRESS Hotline comes in.”

According to the DSTRESS Hotline’s website, counselors who have studied the specific ways and conduct of the Marine Corps provide their target audience with an opportunity to speak with someone who can relate to their individual stressors.

Issues involving the everyday stressors of the military lifestyle including combat related stress are assessed through the hotline.  The DSTRESS Line counselors cannot medically diagnose any caller, but in working with service members under stress and help point them in the right direction.

“It’s truly inspirational what Gary and his band is doing for the young men and women that serve this great nation,” said Jay Vargas, a Medal of Honor recipient for his efforts during Vietnam. “Not only is he entertaining the families but he’s also making sure they are aware of the help that is out there for service members.”

Since 2004, The Lt. Dan Band has made several trips overseas and around the country to military installations in an effort to help promote awareness of military related stress and to entertain the men and women of the armed services.

“There isn’t enough I can do to repay the sacrifices that the brave men and women of this country have made so that we all can live in freedom,” said Sinise.

For more information about the DSTRESS Hotline or to speak with a counselor contact, 1-877-476-7734 or log onto DSTRESSLINE.com