In 2003, actor Gary Sinise, along with Kimo Williams, founded the Lt. Dan Band. Named for Sinise’s iconic character in the film “Forrest Gump,” the cover band has played for 13 years for service members on military bases around the globe.
The Lt. Dan Band is part of the Gary Sinise Foundation and performs at USO shows, entertains troops, and raises money for disabled veterans. With a mission of Honor, Gratitude and Rock & Roll, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band strives to raise spirits, funds and awareness for severely wounded warriors, their families and all who serve.
Sinise shares, “Personally, I have made it a particular mission to do what I can to draw attention to our military and first responder communities and to make sure they know they are remembered and appreciated. Whether through performing with the band, supporting a military charity or visiting the war zones and hospitals to shake some hands and take some pictures, all of it helps them know that there are people out there who are aware of, and appreciate, their sacrifices, and who understand the importance of keeping our military families strong in difficult times.”
Concert at Fort Meade, MD
Recently Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan band held a concert at Fort Meade, MD’s parade field. It was a hot day, but was perfect for gathering friends and pre-gaming with cold drinks and hot-off-the grill BBQ.
My milspouse friends, Kelsey and Kahle, joined me with their picnic blankets for some fun, music and dancing. The Lt. Dan Band played crowd favorites that the audience sang and danced to. We’re sure you can imagine the reaction when they played Journey’s hit song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
All around, it was a wonderfully fun, feel-good evening for a good cause. We consider ourselves lucky to be one of their tour stops.
See the Lt. Dan Band
Watch this video to learn more about Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. For the latest news and a tour schedule, please click here.
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A self-described “Jackie of All Trades,” former Army wife Jackie Toops enjoys exploring the various facets of her personality by chronicling military life, world travels, family, her love of the arts and more. Her academic background is in the fields of Interdisciplinary Humanities, Museum Studies and Nonprofit Management, and she has overseen public relations for museums, galleries and universities. Jackie’s articles have been featured on Army Wife 101, Wall Street International Magazine, SoFluential, HomeAway, Military Biz Connection and FamiliesGo. While stationed in Germany, she regularly discussed her articles on-air with the Armed Forces Network in Wiesbaden. A mother of two, Jackie enjoys coffee, freelance writing, languages and discovering new ways to express herself. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.