Gary Sinise Foundation

Hurricane Helene has left a 500-mile path of destruction from Florida and Georgia to the Appalachian Mountains. The flooding in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina has made recovery efforts incredibly dangerous. Our first responders and military are on the ground, working tirelessly, but they need your help. Your urgent donation will provide critical supplies like water, food, and life-saving support to affected families and communities. Join us at the Gary Sinise Foundation to assist these heroes in their efforts to rebuild. Together, we can make a difference. Click here to donate today: https://bit.ly/3YaDqJb

We were honored to celebrate U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Krumwiede during his recent Walls of Honor Ceremony. After surviving an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2012, Matthew's recovery and resilience has been nothing short of inspiring. From relearning how to walk to embracing adaptive sports and giving back to his community, Matthew continues to show what it means to be strong and resilient. As he and his family prepare for their next chapter in Idaho, we are honored to be building him a specially adapted house to restore his independence. We can't wait to welcome him home!

Here’s a sneak peek of the next episode of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast, in honor of Mac Sinise. In this episode, Cristin Bartter sits down with U.S. Army Sgt. Bryan Anderson, who lost both of his legs and his left hand as a result of an IED blast in 2015. Plus, stay tuned for a surprise appearance from Gary Sinise himself! In the meantime, click here to subscribe and catch up on other episodes, or listen wherever you stream your favorite podcasts. https://bit.ly/3Lswn7N

It's #WarriorWednesday, and today we are honoring U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Samantha "FORCE" Colombo! Samantha is an inspiring pilot with a rich family legacy in the U.S. Air Force. Raised in a military family, she was initially reluctant to join the Air Force, but embraced her path when she reflected on how much she loved being a part of the military community. From soaring over Oklahoma in her first T-38 flight to becoming an F-16 pilot, Samantha continues to break barriers - literally and figuratively! As she says, "Don't let doubts or fears stop you." Keep flying high, Lt. Colombo! We salute you! ✈️

Happy National Fire Pup Day! 🐾🔥 Today, we celebrate all of the incredible K9's who work tirelessly to protect our communities. One pup in particular, Kai, was an incredible arson detection dog who dedicated nine years of her life to the San Antonio Fire Department. Kai was rescued from a shelter as a puppy, and had a long and heroic career in fire investigation. In 2014, Kai was named the American Humane Hero Dog of the Year and she also inspired countless children by visiting schools and educating them about fire safety. Kai will be forever remembered as a hardworking and loyal dog who made a lasting impact on her community. Let's celebrate all the fire pups who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe!

Today's #MedalofHonorMonday celebrates Colonel Paris Davis for his extraordinary bravery on June 17-18, 1965, which saved lives during a daring mission in Vietnam. While leading a nighttime raid, he and his team ambushed an enemy force, resulting in heavy enemy casualties. Even after sustaining injuries himself, Colonel Davis fearlessly rallied his troops and rescued a critically wounded sergeant, all while directing air and artillery support. His selflessness and courage reflect the highest ideals of military service. Gary got the opportunity to meet Colonel Davis at our Welcome Home Concert for Vietnam Veterans in 2023! Thank you, Colonel Davis, for your unwavering dedication!

Today's #SaturdaySalute goes out to Sal Argano, who just hit 25 years of service at Ladder 10 in NYC! 🚒 Sal was one of the first on scene on 9/11 and has spent years serving in the shadow of the World Trade Center. As one of the senior firefighters at Ladder 10, Sal has been a mentor and a leader to a whole new generation of heroes. Nominated by his fellow firefighter, Rob, Sal's dedication to the department and his bravery inspire us all. Thank you, Sal, for your 25 years of service. We salute you!

🚒 On this #FirstResponderFriday, we’re proud to support Westport Fire and Rescue with a grant for a battery-powered extraction tool! Chief Greg Brody shared, “This tool replaced one which was over 30 years old. It is half the weight, double the power, and can perform two tasks (cutting and spreading) without needing to change tools. Our old tool was much too heavy for smaller people to utilize. This new tool has allowed all our personnel to operate it safely and effectively. Neighboring agencies are also calling for us to utilize it!” Together, with your support, we’re ensuring our heroes have the best equipment to serve their communities. 💙

🎙️On this episode of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast, in memory of Mac Sinise, Cristin Bartter sits down with Medal of Honor Recipient Sammy Davis and his wife, Dixie. Sammy received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War, where he carried three of his fellow soldiers to safety while wounded. His bravery earned him our nation's highest military honor and also inspired parts of Forrest Gump. In fact, Sammy's actual Medal of Honor ceremony footage was used in the film when Forrest receives his medal! Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about courage, honor, and service. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/46suFwE

This #WarriorWednesday, we are celebrating U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Thessa Washington, who became the first African-American woman C-130H pilot at the 165th Airlift wing. Her groundbreaking achievement paves the way for future generations and showcases the strength and diversity within our military. Congrats Lt. Washington! Your trailblazing journey inspires us all. ✈️🇺🇸