MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Service members and their families were treated to a concert, games and carnival rides during the Fall Carnival at the Wire Mountain Housing softball fields on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 13.
The free event was hosted by the Gary Sinise Foundation to show support for service members and featured a concert by actor Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.
“It’s something I enjoy doing, but the most rewarding of all is knowing that we’re bringing some joy to people that are serving our country and defending us,” said Sinise. “That’s what it’s all about.”
The Lt. Dan Band was formed in 2004 by Sinise, who’s role as “Lieutenant Dan” in the 1994 film Forrest Gump helped create a bond with service members of every branch. The Lt. Dan Band now performs over 25 shows per year in support of service members.
“I have great respect for the men and women who serve our country,” said Sinise. “We’ve played hundreds of shows, almost 500 shows in the last 16 years for the military.”
In 2011, Sinise established the Gary Sinise Foundation with the intent to honor veterans, first responders, their families and those in need.
“The good thing for us is that Gary Sinise gives back to the active duty all the time and his foundation has provided homes for Wounded Warriors across the nation in every branch of service,” said Scott Graham, the marketing director for Marine Corps Community Services Camp Pendleton. “They do this as an opportunity to give back to the active duty and family members and those are the types of events MCCS loves to do.”
Since 2011, the Gary Sinise Foundation has helped create specially adapted smart homes for Wounded Warriors throughout the country, as well as serving meals to over 190,000 service members overseas.
“I just want people to know you’re appreciated and that you’ve got a grateful American here for all you do to serve our country,” said Sinise.