HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band performed here Sept. 27 for servicemembers, civilian employees, veterans, and their families. The band’s mission every time they perform is honor, gratitude, and rock n’ roll.
They’ve been performing for more than 20 years for the military, both stateside and overseas. The band is funded by the Gary Sinise Foundation, which honors military, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.
I sat down with Gary, the man behind the mission, before the concert to talk about the foundation, the band, and what inspires him to honor our military.
Q. Gary, it’s an honor to have you here. You’ve had a legendary career, from "Of Mice and Men" to "Forrest Gump" and "CSI: NY.” You’ve been a rock n’ roll guy for a long time, but the Lt. Dan Band isn't just a cover band; it's a vehicle for a much larger purpose. Can you talk about the genesis of the band? Was there a single moment—a conversation, a feeling—that made you say, "We've got to turn this music into something bigger than just a jam session?”
A. It evolved after I started doing USO tours as an actor—just going out and meeting with the troops, taking pictures with them and signing autographs. On one or two of those tours, I was with several other entertainers, like Wayne Newton and Kid Rock. After doing several of those tours where I would tag along, shake hands and take pictures, I asked the USO, “Hey, I have some people I play with. Can I take them with me?” That was in early 2004. After I bugged them for a while, they let me take the band with me. And that's when I called it the Lt. Dan Band.
When it started, we did six or seven shows, and it was so fun. I get to get up on stage and entertain, and talk to the troops, deliver a supportive message—how I felt about what they were doing, and how I wanted to support them. It was so great. I wanted to do it again. I just kept asking to do it again and again, it evolved; and eventually, I created my foundation. The foundation supports my mission of getting out there and supporting the troops through music. It covers the costs, and we go out all over the place and play.
Q. You’ve talked about the importance of giving back to those who serve. The Gary Sinise Foundation has become a beacon of hope for so many. Is there a particular story, or a specific hero, you’ve met through the Foundation that stays with you?
A. Years ago, I got involved with the Disabled American Veterans, after “Forrest Gump.” I started working with our wounded warriors. I met thousands of wounded folks—going all the way back to World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and then Operation Enduring Freedom. I’ve just met so many incredible people. It's hard to pin down one story.
Q. How challenging is keeping the foundation and the Lt. Dan Band concerts going?
A. Just having the time to be able to do it. The challenging part is sort of figuring out how to keep the mission going. I've had to pare it down from about 50 shows a year to about 25 to 30 shows. Because I want entertainment to keep going out there, we've started to fund other entertainers. We've sent some comedy tours and other musicians out to bases overseas and around the country to support the troops.
Q. You've seen the sacrifices the service members and their families make up close. What's the most powerful thing you've learned from them?
A. They don't ask for much at all, and they don't expect much—but they deserve much. Little gestures can go a long way. I mean, the concert is big and expensive. We reach a lot of people in one night. But with little gestures, I'm always telling people who are asking me, what should they do to pat service members on the back? And I say, do exactly that, you know? If you see them, just say, “We appreciate you.” That's what drives the mission—the need to make sure that they never feel unappreciated or that the nation isn't grateful.
Q. For all the service members and their families, what’s the single message you want them to take away from this show and from the work you do with the Gary Sinise Foundation?
A. During the show, especially at the end, I always leave them with something, and make sure they know why I'm there. This isn't what I do for a living. I pay the band, but for me, it's my mission work. So, why am I here? Why am I doing it? You know, it's for them. And I want them to know that they're the motivator for me to be doing this mission.
Q. The Lt. Dan character has become an enduring symbol for veterans, a representation of resilience and service. In an age where a lot of celebrity philanthropies can feel detached, your approach is intensely personal. How do you and your fellow musicians maintain that level of connection?
A. It's a very harmonious band. They know they're a part of a mission, a personal mission to deliver some goodness and some joy to the troops. And they can see what their music does for people when we're playing. I’ve had to find different ways to fund this whole operation. In the beginning, I was funding it myself. Then I started to ask people if they could pitch in. I’d say, “I’ve got a concert coming up. Can you donate some money and help me out?” But then when I started the foundation, we folded the band in, and the American people are the ones that helped deliver the message here.
It's a good thing to be a part of. The music—the band—is really good. They all love playing together. They see the joy that we give to everyone.
Q. What's your personal favorite song to play when you're looking out at a sea of camouflage?
A. My favorite? That's hard to say. I wanted to put a show together in the beginning that was all covered tunes. It's nothing but hits, and everybody knows all the songs that we're playing. I wanted to create a variety show where everybody there could enjoy it and really have a good time. So, picking one song—again, that's too hard for me to do.
Q. What would you like to say to Team Hill?
A. This is my first trip to Hill. I really wanted to come and say thank you to everybody and give them some fun. And I'm really glad I'm here.