Lt. Dan And His Band Are Helping A Local Hero
PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - Gary Sinise is known for his roles on "CSI: NY," and arguably, most famously for his portrayal of Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump." Most people do not know him for his role as a philanthropist and dedication to the USO.
Hometown hero Doug Vitale was injured in battle losing both of his legs and suffering a stroke leaving him wheelchair-bound. Vitale is unable to do most of the things people do on a daily basis and take for granted like cooking or even switching a TV remote.
This is where Gary Sinise comes in, he and his Lt. Dan Band have been playing concerts to raise money to help build "smart homes." These homes allow disable vets the opportunity to live as normal a life as possible.
Sinise joined Bill Rehkopf on the KDKA Afternoon News to talk about how he got involved with such a great cause.
"After Sept. 11 there was a role for me to support our active duty men and women and so I started getting involved with the USO," said Sinise.
He goes on to tell KDKA, "Also, I started a foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and in partnership with Tunnels to Towers Foundation, we have been building homes for America's bravest."
Sinise also tells us that he had been involved with veterans way before his role in "Forrest Gump," but that the role helped him realize the calling to help disabled vets.
You can do you part to help and buy a ticket to see the Lt. Dan Band August 9th at Stage AE on the North Shore.
You can hear the whole interview here:
Gary Sinise
Also listen to the Afternoon News with Bill Rehkopf weekdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
