Gary Sinise is an actor best known for his unforgettable role as Lieutenant Dan in the 1994 classic, Forrest Gump. For movie fans, Lt. Dan is one of the most complex characters in the film. Its character arc mirrors resilience, and it’s fitting that Sinise named his rock band the Lt. Dan Band. The band regularly performs for military personnel and their families, with Sinise himself rocking the bass guitar.
But the Lt. Dan Band is just one piece of Sinise’s dedication to giving back to service members. He launched the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011, an organization that provides support for the military community. One standout program is Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.), which builds smart homes for wounded veterans and supplies them with mobility devices, adapted vehicles, and home modifications.
The Foundation also runs initiatives like the Relief & Resiliency program, Invincible Spirit festivals, and Snowball Express—a campaign supporting children who have lost parents in combat. It’s a mission that Sinise takes to heart, fueled by his passion for honoring those who serve.
Sinise’s love for playing bass guitar dates back to his teenage years. “I started playing bass in seventh grade,” he recalls. “I was playing guitar before that, but then I met guys who were way better than me on guitar. So, I switched to bass and really enjoyed it. I played through high school and my early twenties, but then I took a long break while focusing on acting.” He picked up the bass again in the late ’90s, just for fun, and has been jamming ever since—mostly during performances for the troops.
His musical heroes include legends like Jack Bruce and John Entwistle. “When I picked up the bass again, I went right back to trying to play like them,” he says. His band’s setlist is a mix of genres, from Motown to rock, swing, country, and more. “We’ve got something for everyone. Little kids sing along, and the older folks love the classics. It’s a challenge, but it pushes me to cover the basslines so the other musicians can shine.”
Gary Sinise: Playing Bass and Supporting Veterans with Passion and Purpose
These days, Sinise plays a Fender Jazz bass. “I’ve tried other brands, but I keep coming back to the Fender. It’s reliable, sounds great, and feels like home. My tech team keeps it in top shape, so all I have to do is throw it on and have fun.”
Despite his musical skills, Sinise keeps it simple. “I’m not out there to play for myself,” he explains. “I’m playing for the troops and their families. There are incredible bass players out there—guys like Victor Wooten and Marcus Miller—but my role is different. I’m an actor who picked up the bass to entertain and honor those who serve.”
Sinise’s commitment to veterans goes beyond the stage. Through his Foundation, he’s raised nearly $300 million over the past decade. “When we started, the only donor was me,” he shares. “Now we have over 100,000 donors. The support from the American people allows us to keep growing and doing great things for those who sacrifice so much.”
His motivation for launching the Foundation stems from witnessing the lack of support Vietnam veterans received when they returned home. “When we deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, I wanted to make sure those service members felt appreciated,” Sinise explains. “I can’t control where they’re sent, but I can show up and let them know they’re valued.”
While Sinise believes governments have a responsibility to support veterans, he also emphasizes the role of everyday citizens. “We all benefit from the sacrifices of our service members. As beneficiaries, we must ensure they’re taken care of and feel appreciated.”
As for politics? Sinise says it’s not for him. “I’m a private sector guy. There’s so much I can do as a citizen to make a difference. I’ve been blessed with a great career and the freedom to give back in meaningful ways.”
Whether it’s through music or the Foundation’s initiatives, Gary Sinise continues to show his gratitude to the men and women who serve. As he humbly puts it, “I’m just trying to do my part.”
