Honoring our Gary Sinise Foundation Heroes

Dear Friends,  

From the very beginning one of my hopes in creating the Gary Sinise Foundation was to build a rallying point, a place where anyone, whether they had worn the uniform or not, could come together in support of those who have. I wanted to create more than just a nonprofit; I wanted to create a trusted resource for those who believe in honoring our defenders and caring for the families who sacrifice alongside them.  

Over the years it’s been incredibly meaningful to see that vision take shape, not just through the generous support of our donors and partners, but through the people who have chosen to serve as a part of the Foundation itself. Many of our team members are veterans, first responders, or the family members of those who have served. They know this life, they’ve lived it, and they’ve brought that same spirit of service into their work here.  

This has always been a part of the mission, to give those with firsthand experience a place to continue serving and to turn their deep understanding and passion into meaningful impact for others.  

I’m proud of how far we’ve come, from a small team with a big dream to a Foundation supported by thousands. And I’m especially proud of the teammates who have walked the path of military and first responder service, and who now walk it again through this work.  

Today, I invite you to meet a few of them. While we were unable to include everyone in this first initial post, we look forward to continuing to share their stories with you, in the upcoming second part of this series.

With gratitude, 
Gary

Barbara Titus, Senior Vice President of Business Operations at the Gary Sinise Foundation, carries a deep-rooted connection to service through her family’s legacy. Her father, Edward F. Dollar, served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves; her mother was a nurse at a VA hospital; and her brother served in Desert Storm after graduating from West Point. “We’ve always understood the price of freedom,” Barbara says. That understanding fuels her continued commitment to honor and support those who defend our nation. At GSF, she channels that legacy into action, helping ensure the Foundation’s mission is sustained and impactful, in gratitude to the courage and sacrifice of all who serve. 

Colleen Murphy, Serving Heroes Manager at the Gary Sinise Foundation, is a proud Army spouse and daughter of service. With the perspective of a lifetime spent in military life, including supporting her husband, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Murphy, Colleen brings deep personal insight to her work. “This mission is deeply personal to me,” she shares. “I understand firsthand the unique challenges that come with supporting someone who serves.” From deployments to constant transitions, she’s lived the highs and lows of military life and now channels that experience into serving others. At GSF, she sees each meal, each gesture, as a meaningful way to give back to the community that has shaped her entire life.

Cristin Kampsnider, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. Today, she continues to serve by championing the Foundation’s mission and honoring the unbreakable bond she shares with her fellow service members. “I’ve seen firsthand what service members and their families give,” she says, “and I carry that with me every day.” For Cristin, this work is more than a job - it’s a continuation of her commitment to those who wear the uniform. Inspired by Gary’s belief that “we can never do enough,” she remains dedicated to giving back to the heroes who’ve given so much. 

Jim Ravella, Executive Vice President at the Gary Sinise Foundation, brings a lifetime of service to his role, both in and out of uniform. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Jim comes from a proud military family: his father served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, and all three of his brothers served in Vietnam as well. Jim not only served himself, but also deeply understands the cost borne by families. “I lived the sacrifices of serving in the military - both my own, but more importantly, what my wife and kids gave up,” he says. That understanding deepened when he married a war widow and adopted five children who had lost their father in service to the nation. For Jim, serving at GSF is more than a job - it’s a mission rooted in service, integrity, and commitment. “It’s an honor to be part of GSF because it truly understands the cost paid by our veterans, first responders, and their families.” 

Regina Sather, Family Workshop Senior Manager at the Gary Sinise Foundation, serves with a deeply personal sense of purpose. Her husband, Chad Simon, served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was killed in service in 2005. “The work that I get to do at the Foundation is so much of what I wish I’d had when Chad died,” she shares. Through her role, Regina helps guide families of the fallen as they navigate their grief, offering support that grows alongside them. Watching children of the fallen thrive and helping surviving parents feel empowered is not only meaningful - it’s healing. Her advice to her younger self: Tell the truth about your pain. Your loss doesn’t have to alienate you or keep you stuck - you can connect and grow with others on a similar journey. Dare to tell the whole story and grab hold of healing and continued hope. 

Travis Reynders, Homebuilding Outreach Manager at the Gary Sinise Foundation, served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and now continues his service in a new, but deeply personal way. “Any one of the families we help could have been mine,” he says. That understanding drives his commitment to honoring those who’ve sacrificed life, limb, time, and mental wellness for our country. Through his work with the Foundation, Travis ensures that those sacrifices are never forgotten and that the true cost of freedom is always remembered. He hopes his children will see the meaning in his work and know that fulfillment comes not from a paycheck, but from passion and purpose.