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Uplifting Our Nation's Heroes Along the Southern Border

May 14th, 2024

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Honor, Gratitude, and Rock & Roll. That is the goal of every performance of Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band. Since its formation in 2003, the mission of the band has remained the same: to lift the spirits and boost the morale of our nation’s defenders and their families.

The brave men and women who volunteer to protect and defend our freedom sacrifice for us each and every day. When serving far from home, moments of respite are cherished, and entertainment brings joy and fosters camaraderie. With your support, we recently brought three back-to-back concerts to our defenders stationed at bases along our Southern border.

Ft. Bliss was the first stop on this whirlwind tour. Nestled against the U.S.-Mexico border, the soldiers of Ft. Bliss play a vital role in safeguarding our southern frontier. At the show, Gary & the Lt. Dan Band didn’t just bring music; they brought a reminder that the sacrifices of the soldiers and their families are appreciated and valued.

"It just feels good to see the support from Lieutenant Dan," said Staff Sgt. J.J. Edgmon an Army flight medic who has served for 16 years. "It means a lot to us – for soldiers overall, for the morale – to have a concert out here in our park and everyone gets to come out and have a good time."

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Next up was Ft. Huachuca! Positioned in Arizona's rugged terrain, Ft. Huachuca trains the next generation of intelligence professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate an ever-evolving global community. Gary & the Lt. Dan Band offered these resilient soldiers a chance to unwind and recharge spirits for the challenges that lie ahead. As a “thank you”, the top officers surprised Gary with a commemorative sword!

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The final stop on this unforgettable tour was Luke Air Force Base! As a hub for pilot training and aircraft maintenance, Luke AFB plays a crucial role in ensuring air superiority for our nation. In addition to uniting airmen and their families in a shared experience of music and celebration, we were thrilled to spend some time with wounded hero Kaleb Konoff. Kaleb enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2016. While deployed in Iraq, Kaleb suffered a massive stroke. He was only 23 years old. Gary and the Foundation are honored to be building a mortgage-free home in the Phoenix area where he can live more independently while continuing his recovery.

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Every Lt. Dan Band concert is a personal reminder of America’s gratitude for our heroes. As citizens, we must ensure they know their sacrifices are appreciated and will never be forgotten. Whether boosting morale on military bases at home and abroad or raising awareness at benefit concerts across the country, the band uplifts and celebrates our defenders and their families.

We don’t do it alone. We know we are joined by you and millions of grateful Americans across our great nation, and we share that at every concert.

Thank you for allowing us to be your conduit of love and appreciation for those who serve and sacrifice in freedom’s defense.

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Written by Gary Sinise Foundation