The Gary Sinise Foundation is honored to announce that Amazon has pledged another three years and an additional $3 million in support of our nation’s defenders and their families. This renewed commitment builds on a partnership that began in 2022 and has already touched thousands of lives through hands-on volunteerism, innovative in-kind support, and a shared mission of serving those who serve us.

A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose

The relationship between Amazon and the Gary Sinise Foundation began when an Amazon representative attended the specially adapted smart home dedication for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Chris Kurtz. Moved by the ceremony, the Amazonian reached out to our Global Military Affairs team, to connect two organizations rooted in respect and gratitude for military service members and their families.

Inspired by what they saw, Amazon saw an opportunity to use their technology to support the Foundation’s specially adapted smart homes and engage members of Amazon’s Warriors at Amazon employee-led group. Warriors at Amazon is a volunteer group that brings together the veteran, military spouse, and military-connected communities at Amazon. The group most recently supported the Families of Fallen Heroes at the Foundation’s Memorial Day and Snowball Express Annual events.

In January 2023, the partnership between Amazon and the Gary Sinise Foundation was officially launched as a three-year, $3 million National Partnership, focusing on two cornerstone programs of the Gary Sinise Foundation: building mortgage-free, fully customized homes for our most severely wounded defenders, and honoring the Families of Fallen Heroes.

Since its inception, Amazon’s support has expanded to nearly every area of our mission; from honoring U.S. WWII veterans to military hospital festivals, first responder initiatives, and events that bring families of fallen heroes together nationwide.

Building Smart Homes and Strengthening Communities

Through our home building initiative, Amazon has provided both funding and innovative products to help build mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded heroes.

At the dedication of U.S. Army Sergeant (Ret.) Bryan Anderson’s home, Amazon joined us to announce the national partnership – even helping to design a custom gaming area for Bryan, an avid gamer. Since then, Amazon volunteers have continued to show up across the country, helping landscape yards, stock pantries, and deliver the comfort of home to America’s heroes.

Spreading Holiday Joy Through Snowball Express

Each December, the Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express program brings together hundreds of families of fallen military and first responder heroes for a 5-day healing experience at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. Amazon’s presence at the Snowball Express Annual Event has grown each year. What began in 2022 with in-kind donations and volunteers has expanded into “Santazon” - a beloved experience where children can choose, wrap, and package a special gift for their surviving parent/guardian. With the support of Warriors at Amazon, and a little Santazon magic, each package is placed into the Amazon system for special home delivery just in time for the holidays.

In 2024, Amazon also helped to decorate the American Airlines planes that carried families to the event, ensuring every detail reflected the love and care behind the mission. As we gear up for our Snowball Express Annual Event in 2025, so do the Warriors at Amazon behind Santazon, with plans for it to be bigger and brighter than ever.

Honoring Veterans, Supporting First Responders, and Serving Our Heroes

Amazon’s involvement runs deep. In addition to supporting our veteran and family initiatives, Amazon’s Public Policy team has also joined forces with our First Responder Outreach program, providing grants to volunteer and underfunded first responder units across the country.

Their dedication is reflected not just in dollars, but in time. Between January 2023 and October 2025, Amazon volunteers contributed more than 18,000 hours of service, with more than 1,000 volunteers serving at over 53 events nationwide, helping to make every mission moment possible.

The People Behind the Partnership

The heart of this collaboration lies in Amazon employees like Josh Shingleton, an Army veteran who once served alongside specially adapted smart home recipient U.S. Army Captain (Ret.) Tyson Quink. Josh was with Tyson on the day of his injury, and today, he honors that brotherhood by leading volunteer coordination for Amazon’s involvement with the Foundation.

Josh has attended home dedications, Walls of Honor ceremonies, and Snowball Express events, not as part of his job, but out of his deep belief in our mission. As Josh shares, “Serving through the Gary Sinise Foundation gives me a way to continue that commitment, to honor my brothers and sisters who gave so much.”

Looking Ahead to the Future

With this renewed pledge, Amazon and the Gary Sinise Foundation will continue to serve side by side – bringing independence and support to those who protect our freedom. Together we’re proving that when corporations and communities unite in service, extraordinary things happen.

As Gary Sinise often says, “We can always do a little more.” Thanks to Amazon, we’ll keep doing just that – for our veterans, first responders, and their families.