Gary Sinise has played a lot of iconic roles, from movies like Apollo 13 and The Green Mile , to starring in CSI: New York for almost 10 years.
But if one role could be said to define his career and his legacy, it’s that of Lieutenant Dan.
Sinise played Lt. Dan in 1994’s *Forrest Gump*.
In the movie, Lt. Dan believed that it was his destiny to die in battle, but instead, Forrest saves him in Vietnam. Lt. Dan is left without his legs and is bitter about surviving.
But through friendship and working with Forrest on a shrimp boat, Lt. Dan regains his will to live and eventually, gets prosthetic legs.
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Sinise’s portrayal of Lt. Dan earned him an Oscar nomination and the character stands as one of the most honest depictions of a wounded veteran.
Moved by the act of playing the role and by the reaction of veterans to its raw honesty, Sinise has dedicated his life to helping wounded and struggling soldiers ever since.
He partnered with the United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) and began visiting troops overseas.
In 2011, he created his own initiative, The Gary Sinise Foundation , as a way to focus his efforts. Since then, the Foundation has provided thousands of meals, experiences, and essential medical equipment to veterans and first responders in need.
His tireless work to aid veterans has garnered many awards and accolades.
The latest is from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, who presented him with their highest honor, the Patriot Award at a ceremony held at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley.
It’s the highest honor the Society awards, and they presented it to show appreciation for Sinise’s ongoing philanthropic efforts.
I think we can all agree that it’s well-deserved.
h/t: ABC7