Gary Sinise - 12 Feb

CONTENTS

Praise for Grateful American

Gary Sinise writes as he lives, and as the artist and actor he has always been: with American authenticity, purpose, and a conviction that is inseparable from his nature.

TOM HANKS, ACTOR AND FILMMAKER

No entertainer alive today has visited and performed more for our troops at veterans hospitals and military bases all over the world than Gary Sinise. For years his foundation has built smart homes for our troops that were severely wounded in combat. The book is called Grateful American, and I promise that after you read it you will be grateful for what Gary has accomplished and contributed to our country. Hes truly one of a kind.

CLINT EASTWOOD, ACTOR, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, AND MUSICIAN

In my four years in the military, fifty years in show business, and over seventy years on this planet, I have never met a more dedicated American than Gary Sinise. Where does this kind of man come from and where did he get this boundless energy to accomplish so much and still put God, family, and our men and women in the armed forces above himself? Grateful American is an amazing story about a man who had a midlife awakening. All who read this book will be grateful that such a man lived in our lifetime.

TOM DREESEN, COMEDIAN, ACTOR, AND ENTERTAINER

Gary Sinises book is absolutely amazing and provides a clear road map of one mans journey to selfless service. He uses his personal story to highlight that journey and stirs us all to do the same. Gary is an inspiration to me and to everyone he comes in contact withhis life is the ultimate example of selfless service.

RICK LYNCH, LIEUTENANT GENERAL, US ARMY (RETIRED), AUTHOR OF ADAPT OR DIE: BATTLE TESTED PRINCIPLES FOR LEADERS AND WORK HARD, PRAY HARD: THE POWER OF FAITH IN ACTION

For many years, I was a huge admirer of Gary Sinises work and the fact that when he was only eighteen he started the incredible theater company Steppenwolf. When I was a struggling actor in New York City, I saw him in terrific productions like True West, Balm in Gilead, and The Grapes of Wrath, and his incredible acting was an inspiration to me. Since then, though, Gary has become an inspiration for a completely different reason: he inspires me with who he is as a person. Gary Sinise quietly and consistently brings light and hope to people, serving his fellow man with an attitude of gratitude.

PATRICIA HEATON, ACTOR, ADVOCATE, AND THREE-TIME EMMY AWARD-WINNER

Grateful American is an incredibly honest and revealing examination of the personal path that each one of us must take to discover our lifes purpose. Millions of thankful military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families have benefitted immeasurably from Garys journey, and its been my distinct honor to participate in many of his inspiring initiatives throughout the years. Im a grateful American for knowing him!

GENERAL (RETIRED) ROBIN RAND, US AIR FORCE

In singing the praises of Grateful American, I have the added advantage of having known the author for over forty years. This book is a reflection of someone for whom my admiration by itself would probably fill a book. In reading it you will discover why Ive been blessed to have this exceptional man, husband, father, and patriot as my dear friend.

JOE MANTEGNA, ACTOR, PRODUCER, WRITER, AND DIRECTOR

2019 Friendo, Inc.

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ISBN 978-1-4002-0812-8 (HC)

ISBN 978-1-4002-0813-5 (eBook)

ISBN 978-1-4002-1528-7 (signed)

Epub Edition January 2019 9781400208135

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Sinise, Gary, author. | Brotherton, Marcus, contributor.

Title: Grateful American : a journey from self to service / Gary Sinise with Marcus Brotherton.

Description: Nashville, Tennessee : Nelson Books, [2019]

Identifiers: LCCN 2018032657| ISBN 9781400208128 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781400208135 (eBook)

Subjects: LCSH: Sinise, Gary. | Actors--United States--Biography.

Classification: LCC PN2287.S3926 S56 2019 | DDC 791.4302/8092 [B] --dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018032657

Printed in the United States of America

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For Moira, Sophie, Mac, and Ella,

with never-ending love and gratitude

The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.

PRESIDENT CALVIN COOLIDGE

I am not completely prepared for what awaits me on the other side of the doors.

On this August day in 1994, the wind is blowing hot and humid throughout Chicago. Event organizers have told me more than twenty-five hundred disabled veterans are waiting for me in the air-conditioned ballroom at the Conrad Hilton Hotel. Im here to receive an award at the national convention of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), an organization whose motto is Fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. This is my first time at the convention. Ive met disabled veterans before, one or two at a time, but never so many gathered in one spot. I imagine Ill walk into a sea of wheelchairs, crutches, and prosthetics, but I dont really know what to expect.

Organizers have led me down a back way through the clatter of the hotels kitchen. Weve sidestepped waiters and food prep staff and approached the ballroom doors from the kitchen entrance. Now we wait for the cue to come in. I can hear my voice being broadcast throughout the auditorium. Forrest Gump, the movie where I play a character named Lieutenant Dan Taylor, has been out for about six weeks, and event organizers are showing clips in the ballroom. At this point in my career, Ive been in lots of plays and on a few TV shows, including American Playhouse broadcasts of Sam Shepards True West and John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath. Ive even had a few credited roles in movies: Of Mice and Men, A Midnight Clear, Jack the Bear, The Stand. But Ive never had a role thats received as much attention as Lieutenant Dan.

Its a new experience. The movie has already exploded in popularity, and more and more Im getting recognized in public. As a result, the DAV has kindly provided me with a suite at the hotel and kept me away from the crowds.

Lieutenant Dan is a disabled Vietnam veteran who loses his legs in combat. He carries terrible guilt after leading his platoon into an ambush where many of his men are killed or wounded, and he wishes that instead of surviving with his injury hed been killed along with his men. His post-traumatic stress buries him in alcohol abuse and dark isolation. His friend, Forrest Gump, also a Vietnam veteran, is a good-hearted and simple minded man who receives the Medal of Honor for saving Lieutenant Dans life, as well as the lives of other members of their platoon.