Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Jim Ravella discuss the Gary Sinise Foundation and the programs they run to help veterans, first responders, and their families. They also talk about the history of why Gary Sinise started the organization, Lt. Dan’s Band, and more.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are. 

Ep. 13 — Gary Sinise Foundation with Jim Ravella, VP of Programs

Introducing Jim Ravella, VP of Programs at the Gary Sinise Foundation

Tom opens by thanking Jim for joining them on the podcast, followed by Jodi giving a bit of Jim’s background.

• Jodi discusses his educational background, history at the Gary Sinise Foundation, and his years serving in the Air Force, among other accolades.

Jodi asks Jim to discuss more about the Gary Sinise Foundation, how it got started, how he got involved, etc.

• Jim discusses the history of the 12 years of the Gary Sinise Foundation, and Gary’s history and mindset behind why he started the organization.
• He notes that the mission of the organization is to help any veteran or first responder that is in need, which is purposefully a very broad mission.
• He then discusses his story of he came into his role at the Gary Sinise Foundation, through his current wife who is an ambassador of the organization.

Tom asks about recent addition of a chapter of the organization in Orlando.

• Jim mentions that they recently opened a chapter both in Orlando and in San Diego.
• He says that those organizations are volunteer run, and it allows them to really get in touch with the local communities and the service members that need assistance the most.
• Jim also mentions that their team will be on the ground after the incoming hurricane helping first responders in any way they can.

Programs of the Gary Sinise Foundation

Tom notes that while the mission of the foundation is purposefully very broad, the RISE program focuses on houses for those in need.

• Jim discusses how Gary would take his band to raise money to renovate or build homes for the service members who were in the hospital after returning from duty.
• He notes that they do custom home builds, home modifications, adaptive vehicles, and mobility devices.
• He says that it is all about supporting independence for the veterans.
• So far Jim says they have worked on 78 homes so far, and have two more to finish out the year.

Jodi brings up the program Snowball Express, mentioning her personal ties to the program, and asks Jim to speak a bit more about how that program came to be a part of the Gary Sinise Foundation.

• He discusses the history of Snowball, and how it was absorbed into a Gary Sinise Foundation initiative.
• Jim mentions how the program brings children of fallen service members or first responders to Disney World, and build the community.
• He adds that they have added community events in different cities around the country in order to help them maintain that support community.
• Jim continues by mentioning their partnership airline, and all the fanfare that goes along with participating in a trip like this.

Jodi then asks about the Soaring Valor program, what it means, and how the organization runs that program.

• Jim notes that it was built around taking WWII veterans to the national museum in New Orleans.
• He describes what the typical trip looks like, noting that they will typically do five trips a year, and a few of them pair up high school students with those veterans.
• He recalls his own trip to the National WWII Museum and how impactful it was for him.
• Jim adds that they will also pay for individual veterans to go down that can’t make the larger trip.

Tom asks about some of the other programs such as Serving Heroes.

• Jim describes the process through which they give out hundreds of thousands of meals every year both nationwide and in military outposts abroad.
• Tim adds how AFB has a similar program where at certain locations for service members who can’t get home for the holidays, or volunteer at food pantries among other locations that support those experiencing food insecurity.
• Jim responds by noting how thankful they are for other organizations that also support their causes, since the demand is always so large.

The Heart and Passion Behind the Foundation

Jim notes how important serving those meals are as well, because it brings the family together.

• He continues by noting how the family also serves, even though they weren’t the one who took an oath to defend the Constitution.
• Tom adds that is one reason they are always so thankful for Jodi, as she is a military spouse.
• Jim notes that the spouses sometimes serve as much as the service member themselves.

Jodi asks if there are specific grants for veterans versus first responders.

• Jim notes that everything he has mentioned is for veterans and first responders alike.
• He adds that there is one program, the First Responders Outreach program, that helps first responders around the nation.
• Jim states that between 75-80% of the fire stations are run by volunteer firefighters, who oftentimes don’t have the same equipment as more well-funded stations.

Tom asks Jim a few more questions about his favorite military movie, and how good Lt. Dan’s Band actually is.

• Jim responds noting how good the band actually is, noting that the band has performed for the military more than anybody else with over 550 shows.
• He adds a personal story about how much Gary truly cares about the families and the sacrifices they make, trying to repay a debt that he can never repay.

Tom then asks how people can either donate or get involved with the Gary Sinise Foundation.

• Jim says that there is a donate button on the Gary Sinise Foundation website.
• He says that becoming a partner with a recurring donation is always welcome, because the needs are great and the organization is very efficient with every dollar they receive.
• Tom then commends them for utilizing $0.87 from every $1 goes to the programs.
• Jim says to see the impact the organization has on a daily basis, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

Military Minute

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

• Last episode’s Military Minute: Which insect assisted in the aerodynamics of the F-117 fighter jet?
• Answer: the bumblebee
• This week’s Military Minute question: In Forest Gump, what was the first lesson does Lt. Dan told Forest and Bubba regarding GI gear that can mean the difference between a dead grunt and a live grunt?
• Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.
• Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to out to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

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