2018 Annual Report

Our mission

We serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities.

hero spotlight: usmc staff sergeant brandon dodson

On his fifth and final deployment to Afghanistan in August 2014, USMC Staff Sergeant Brandon Dodson was operating in a remote village when he stepped on a hidden pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion resulted in the loss of both his legs above the knee and became a turning point in his and his family’s lives. Brandon’s specially adapted smart home was built in Vista, California and dedicated to him and his family in May.

highlight: naval medical center san diego

In February the Gary Sinise Foundation hosted an Invincible Spirit Festival at Naval Medical Center San Diego where recovering marines, sailors, and their families were treated to an exciting day featuring bbq served by Chef Robert Irvine, a classic car show, rock wall, and face painting.

highlight: napa valley concert

In April 2018 Napa Valley first responders and their families were honored and recognized for their heroism and sacrifices made during the devastating wildfires that broke out in the region in October 2017.

hero spotlight: andrew bozeman

“I never thought that I would hit a point in my life where I would think about doing harm to myself.” Retired Marine Corps Sergeant, Andrew Bozeman, had spent nearly a decade in the Marines with two deployments under his belt since 2004. He enlisted in the military after graduating high school in 2001 and over the years suffered multiple concussions while training and during overseas deployments. His first two marriages fell apart and he was denied reenlistment after being passed on promotion to Staff Sergeant. He planned to commit suicide on March 30, 2013, the same day Gary Sinise and The Lt. Dan Band were to perform at MCAS Yuma where Bozeman was based.

“It was the simple fact that here is this celebrity who is giving up his time, his money, his everything to help serve us,” said Bozeman about the impact of the Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band on military service members. Standing amongst his fellow Marines near the stage, Bozeman was captivated by the message Gary had for all in attendance: they [Marines] are making a difference and are the reason why the band is able to do what they do. “It helps you realize that there are people out there who are willing to help you.”

highlight: hollywood adventure

In September 24 Gold Star spouses of fallen heroes visited the Gary Sinise Foundation as part of our three-day Hollywood Adventure experience. Highlights included visiting the Santa Monica Pier and strolling along the shore, dining at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Smoke House, and Fogo de Chão, and visiting the set of the CBS television show, Seal Team and other soundstanges on the Warners Brothers’ backlot. Glad Star spouses also explored the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the iconic Grauman’s (now referred to as TCL) Chinese Theater.

highlight: grapevine faith christian school

Students from Grapevine Faith Christian School in Grapevine, Texas joined WWII veterans from San Antonio for Soaring Valor #13 from October 25-27 at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Heroes from the Second World War experienced combat in the European and Pacific Theaters of War including pivotal battles and engagements at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Omaha Beach, and in the skies over Germany.

As participants and contributors to a defining period in twentieth-century U.S and world history who helped pave the way for our nation’s freedom and security, we honor all those who selflessly served in uniform on behalf of every American.

highlight: naval base ventura county

225 Servicemen and women at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, were served a hot meal and honored for their dedicated, selfless service in defense of our nation.

The Gary Sinise Foundation has been privileged to serve our nation’s uniformed men and women based at home and abroad more than 197,000 hot meals as part of Serving Heroes. At U.S. military bases in Germany and Korea, we’ve been able to bring more than just a slice of Americana to our service members. On the Korean Peninsula, we’ve been active at Camp Casey since 2015, USAG Daegu since 2018, and more recently Camp Humphreys

highlight: vets night

Inspired by his experience directing the production of Tracers in 1984 at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater, Gary Sinise made it imperative that our veterans be able to enjoy an evening at the theater free of charge. “Vets Night” was born as a result.

More than 500 veterans took part in Vets Night held at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., Steppenwolf Theater, and Forest Guild Theater in Carmel, California.

Productions showcased in 2018 included the Pulitzer Prize winning drama, Our Town, the dark comedy You Got Older, the comedy The Roommate, and the acclaimed show La Ruta.

highlight: california firefighter joint apprenticeship committee

In August 2018 the center hosted a seminar in conjunction with the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) who were represented by seasoned firefighters who also served in the military to speak on transitioning from protecting our country to protecting our communities. Military veterans aspiring to become firefighters were invited to learn from and interact with, representatives from Cal-JAC.

Transitioning to a profession as a firefighter or other first responder offers camaraderie among peers and the opportunity to defend those in need. Deputy Chief of the Pasadena Fire Department Bryan Frieders noted these similarities while speaking at the seminar, “we’re very regimented, we’re very goal-oriented. We have a mission and we’re going to accomplish that mission. I think the most important characteristic is that serving attitude. We are here to serve people.”

highlight: sixes river fire department

In March 2018, volunteer first responders with the Sixes River Fire Department in Sixes River, Oregon, were presented with a grant in the amount of $56,450 for the purchase of 25 sets of turnout gear. The Gary Sinise Foundation was able to supply all new tires for Henderson City/County Volunteer Rescue Squad vehicles.

For 2018, we are proud to report that 89.86% of every dollar contributed was applied directly to support our nation’s defenders and their loved ones.

statement of financial position
(december 31, 2018)

statement of activities
(for the year ended december 31, 2018)

Board of Directors
Gary Sinise (Chairman)
Linda Bammann
General Vincent K. Brooks, U.S. Army (ret.)
John D. Heubusch
James Shubert
Moira Sinise
Pastor (Pat) Velasco

Advisory Board
Gib Bosworth
Carol Brooks
Steven B. Hantler
Major General, U.S. Army (ret.)
Clayton M. Hutmacher
Martin Licker
Lt. Gen. Rick, U.S. Army (ret.) & Sarah Lynch
David J. McIntyre, Jr.
Suzy Pence
Kim Rand
Anthony J. Saliba
Pam Swan
Mike Swift
Linda Velasco