Gary Sinise talks about supporting veterans, 9/11 and performing at Naval Station Mayport
Award-winning actor Gary Sinise, known for his roles in Forrest Gump and Apollo 13 , spoke with WOKV’s Chase Bunker at Naval Station Mayport on Friday, October 16, about his work supporting veterans, his memories of September 11, and his passion for giving back to military families. Sinise visited the naval station with his Lt. Dan Band for a performance honoring military members and their families. During the interview, Sinise shared how his connection to the military began long before his Hollywood career. Several members of his family served in the Vietnam War, including two of his wife’s brothers. Their service inspired him to start supporting veterans in the 1970s and 1980s. His role as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump also helped him connect with wounded veterans. However, Sinise said the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks changed his life. “That really had a profound impact on me,” Sinise told Bunker. Sinise remembered watching the attacks on television while he was in California. He had plans to play golf that morning but said he was too upset to continue. After the attacks, he wanted to do something to help. He contacted the United Service Organizations (USO) and began visiting American troops.
