Gary Sinise is an award winning actor, on the stage, TV and big screen. He is best known for playing Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. Inspired by this role and his family members, Gary is now the head of the Gary Sinise Foundation, which offers support for service members who need help with mental wellness, trauma, physical recovery, and loss. He Also plays concerts worldwide for our nation’s defenders and their families, boosting morale and offering gratitude for their sacrifices as part of the Lt. Dan Band.

Jay and Gary discuss the changing needs of American service members and their families, the many services the Gary Sinise Foundation provides, how Gary’s work helped him through personal loss and much more.

Today's episode was produced by Tani Levitt and Mijon Zulu. To check out more episodes or to learn more about the show, you can visit our website Allaboutchangepodcast.com. If you like our show, spread the word, tell a friend or family member, or leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app. We really appreciate it. All About Change is produced by the Ruderman Family Foundation.

Episode Chapters

(0:00) intro

(1:11) Veterans’ changing needs over the past half century

(7:57) Veterans’ appreciation of Gary’s portrayal of Lt. Dan

(10:25) By helping others, we step out of ourselves

(11:46) The Lt. Dan Band

(15:29) How the death of Gary’s son Mac impacts his activism

(17:33) Bringing services to American heroes wherever they are

(19:45) Accurate portrayals of veterans in film and TV

(20:58) How can people get involved with the Gary Sinise foundation

(24:24) Goodbye

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Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight, in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at ⁠⁠www.jayruderman.com⁠⁠.