Community Support Brings Healing to Gold Star Family
Army Specialist Jose Ruiz was killed in action in 2005. His wife, Alexa, and their month-old daughter, Liana, had their lives turned upside down. But after joining Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express, they were brought out of the dark and into the light.
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Honor and Gratitude Mark National Vietnam War Veterans Day
National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 serves as a day of remembrance and honor to all who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.
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Planned Financial Gift Supports Veterans, Service Members, First Responders, And Their Families
Since first appearing at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. in 2005, Gary Sinise has inspired many Americans to support the nation's heroes and their families. For Legacy Society member Junell Lofthus, her planned financial gift is personal.
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Gary Sinise Foundation Coronavirus Announcement
With the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) across the nation, the Gary Sinise Foundation announced that it will have grants available to first responders in need of personal protective equipment when answering COVID-19 service calls.
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Suicide Prevention
If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, caring VA responders are standing by to help. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
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Charity Navigator 4-Star Rating
The Gary Sinise Foundation continues to maintain the highest rating issued by Charity Navigator.
Learn More ➝By The Numbers
1,000,000+
heroes have returned from Iraq & Afghanistan bearing the mental and physical wounds of war.
The Stories
This truck could not have come at a better time. My dad passed away in March and my service dog passed away in March. I cannot express my gratitude for this gift enough to let you know how much of a difference it’s going to make in my life.
Tara HutchinsonSingle Amputee Veteran
I still can't believe it's our house. It's absolutely beautiful. I can't believe somebody would step in and do that for us. It just blew my mind. I can't thank the Gary Sinise Foundation enough. I can't thank the donors enough. From the bottom of my heart, thanks for giving a little bit of my life back.
- Officer Michael FlamionSpecially Adapted Smart Home Recipient
“I’m still amazed at the effort so many wonderful people put in to pull this whole adventure off flawlessly! You guys are all great, and you really did make it very special. Thank you for everything!”
- Capt. Elizabeth SchloemannSurviving Military Spouse & Hollywood Adventure Participant
After weeks of dealing with round-the-clock response and recovery efforts, a mix of emotions, and everything that comes with handling one of the biggest natural disasters in U.S. history, our office needed something to look forward to. Your generous gift allowed many of our first responders to have a better Thanksgiving as many of them also lost their homes to Harvey.
- Mike Montgomery Harris County Fire Marshal
Upon returning from my first tour in Afghanistan, the loss of more brothers than I’d like to remember was taking its toll. I saw a poster that the Lt. Dan Band was performing in my area and decided to attend. I like to believe that one show kept me from doing the unthinkable. Thank you for all you do.
Anonymous Marine(withheld for privacy)
The biggest thing I got from attending was that growth is possible. I learned that I do not have to live my life as a diminished version of myself, but a better version. I also learned better ways to cope with stressors in life. And that I am not alone.
- Keith RichardUS Army, SFC (Ret)
I'd like to thank Gary and the Foundation for providing a free lunch here at our USO. There are folks out there in the civilian world, like Gary, who constantly pour into our community and I am so thankful. The lunch provided today benefitted at least 150-200 Jr. Soldiers. Having been in their shoes 17 years ago, I can tell you it really hit the spot.
- Matthew EdmondsEl Paso, TX
It isn’t easy to put into words what Snowball Express meant to my 8-year-old daughter and me but I will try. I guess the easiest way to explain it is to simply state that it was the first time since losing my husband that I went 5 days in a row without crying. Sure, there were a few moments of filling up with tears. However, those were tears of gratitude and pride.
- Jennifer HansonWidow of LCDR Keith Hanson, USN
Soaring Valor gave me a sense of pride knowing how much people appreciate the contribution I made to my country...it made the sunset of my life a complete success.
Bernard MartinWWII Veteran, Navy
Words cannot convey how grateful I am to you for hosting my father on your Soaring Valor trip. We will cherish the memories for the rest of our lives. Thank you for your program and for honoring my dad in a way that I never could.
Colin ClausSon of WWII veteran and Soaring Valor attendee
After investing so much time and training for that level in special operations, my career was over in a few seconds. You start thinking, ‘How will I provide for my family?’ But the house you built for us knocks down the obstacles most people wouldn’t think about. I don’t worry about limitations or disadvantages.
SFC Jared BullockWe proudly built a specially adapted smart home for Jared and his family.
Thank you so much. Our veterans had a wonderful time. They all returned with smiles and want to know when they can do it again. Thank you.
- Ron BrandVeterans Homes of California