Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1302091
L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I L D I N T E R N AT I O N A L | 7 T H A N N U A L L M G I A W A R D S 2 7 F or nearly 40 years, Emmy ® -winning and Oscar ® - nominated actor Gary Sinise has advocated for America's service members. Beginning in the early 80s, he began hosting a free Vets Night at the Steppenwolf Theatre which he co-founded in Chicago. In the 90s, his portrayal of Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump formed an enduring connection with service members throughout the military community, working on behalf of the Disabled American Veterans organization which he continues to actively support. Following the attacks of September 11, his dedication to active duty defenders, veterans, first responders and their families has become a tireless crusade of support, service and gratitude for all those who protect our freedom and serve our country. After several USO handshake tours, he formed the "Lt. Dan Band" and on his days off from filming his hit series CSI: NY, he entertained troops at home and abroad. Over the years, the 14-piece cover band has performed hundreds of shows for charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes, Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world. In 2011, expanding upon his individual efforts, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation with the mission to serve and honor America's defenders, veterans, first responders, Gold Star families and those in need. The Foundation remains committed to finding ways to give back to those who sacrifice. Encouraging others to do the same has become his personal quest which he hopes will endure as his legacy. The LMGI proudly salutes his dedication to his life's mission. Longtime friend and Ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation, actor Joe Mantegna reminds us: "If the past seven months have taught us anything, it's that we owe so much to those people who live their lives with one goal—protecting the rest of us. The Foundation supports the real heroes in our lives and their families." Sinise served as the national spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial and raised funds for the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial in DC, and the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance in NYC. He serves on the President's Advisory Group for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, the Community Council for Hope for the Warriors and as an honorary Board member of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Sinise has earned many distinguished humanitarian awards, including the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. He was given the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation. He is only the third actor ever to receive this honor. He was also named an Honorary Chief Petty Officer by the United States Navy, an Honorary Marine by the United States Marine Corps and an Honorary Battalion Chief of the Fire Department of New York. His 2019 autobiography, New York Times bestseller, Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service, is the inspiring story of how a kid from Chicago, through his very personal and unique journey, found his calling: to ensure that our nation's defenders, who serve this country and its freedoms, are never forgotten. Previous recipients of the LMGI Humanitarian Award include philanthropist Robert F. Smith and the Hidden Empire Film Group; cinematographer Haskell Wexler, for his work on crew sleep deprivation; and producer Caroline Baron whose FilmAid uses the power of cinema to aid developing countries. For information, please visit www.garysinisefoundation.org