Sitcom Star Fiercely Defends Gary Sinise, Blasts Time for Ignoring Him for 'Person of the Year'
Time magazine chose “impactful journalists” under the title of “The Guardians” for their “Person of the Year” of 2018. But the outlet overlooked someone who regularly makes a tremendous impact for others, and sitcom star Patricia Heaton wasn’t having any of it.
Sinise is well-known, and well-loved, for his ongoing charitable efforts. Heaton, star of “The Middle” and “Everybody Loves Raymond,” pointed out some very good reasons why the charitable-minded actor should be given the honor from Time.
Heaton noted that he raises $30 million a year to build homes for wounded veterans. She also mentioned his support of Gold Star families.
Hey @TIME , why isn’t @GarySinise ever on the Person of the Year list? Hey @TheAcademy , why isn’t he ever picked for the #jeanhersholt humanitarian award? He raises $30M a year to build homes for wounded vets along with his #goldstarfamily support. Retweet! https://t.co/pj7BGEN7Ds
— Patricia Heaton (@PatriciaHeaton) December 10, 2018
Sinise honors the fallen and offers support to their families. It may seem like a little thing, but to those who have lost so much, it can mean everything.
And of special note is the benefit that comes to the children of the fallen. Seeing their loved one honored and being given support during such a difficult time is of immeasurable importance.
Virtually everything Sinise and his foundation do impacts the lives of the children of the wounded and fallen. He does special things just for them, too.
We Remember.
Each flag representing the fallen hero of over 600 families attending @GarySiniseFound 2018 Snowball Express event at @WaltDisneyWorld
Thank you to these Gold Star families, our amazing volunteers and all who supported our event. pic.twitter.com/lr0TfBEXx6— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 12, 2018
Airport comes to standstill for national anthem honoring children of fallen soldiers https://t.co/grRmzcnXO1 via @usatoday
— GarySiniseFoundation (@GarySiniseFound) December 11, 2018
Thank you @GarySiniseFound @SnowballExpress for inviting Patriot Pup! We truly loved giving back to these children whose parents have given their all for us. #NeverForgotten #SnowballExpress2018 #honor #fallen #familiesofthefallen #disney #MagicKingdom #goldstarfamily #healing pic.twitter.com/AdaZzK0prY
— American Brother (@AmerBrotherBook) December 10, 2018
Over 1000 Gold Star Children travel w/ surviving parent, 1,750 in all, via @americanair to Disney World today as part of our @GarySiniseFound Snowball Express program. This charter left LAX this morning. I’ll join up in a few days. Have fun kids! We love you! pic.twitter.com/OfMEpVF1er
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 8, 2018
But there is even more to what this impressive actor does for the military, veterans and their families. Sinise is “all in” for his beloved cause.
The Gary Sinise Foundation has a mission of “serv(ing) our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.”
Together, we’re working to improve the lives of the men & women who protect & defend our country & communities. While we can never do enough for our defenders, veterans, first responders, & their loved ones who sacrifice alongside them, we can always do a little more. pic.twitter.com/yw0gPT0kjx
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 6, 2018
Sinise added to the foundation mission statement, saying, “Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should never take for granted. We must do all we can to extend our hand in times of need to those who willingly sacrifice each day to provide that freedom and security. While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more.”
The “2018: Gary Sinise Foundation Impact” video gives insight into some of what his foundation does and how it changes the lives of our veterans and their families. More than one company is in partnership with the foundation and highly praises what it has accomplished.
The foundation’s RISE program for severely wounded veterans “was established to provide these heroes with specially-adapted smart homes, mortgage-free, and custom-built from the ground up.” It also provides “modifications to existing homes, mobility devises, and adapted vehicles.”
This allows veterans and their families to have more normalcy in their lives. It also helps the veterans have more independence in life and in interacting with spouses, children and others.
Then there are the foundation’s Relief and Resiliency Outreach programs, which “help veterans and their families overcome trauma by healing together.” The whole heart and soul of it is, “Whether it’s supporting and connecting those enduring similar struggles, providing a little help with bills in a time of special need, or honoring our Gold Star families, we’re always looking for ways to keep families strong and their spirits high.”
But Sinise doesn’t just have a foundation that bears his name; he is personally involved in service. One example is how he goes on tour with the USO to entertain troops:
Gary Sinise & Lt. Dan Band Performance Marks Actor’s 97th USO Tour: https://t.co/0MfQPqWSK4 pic.twitter.com/Pld5YdQ0Zh
— USO (@the_USO) July 18, 2017
Eglin AFB thanks the USO, Gary Sinise Foundation, and the Lt. Dan Band! Thank you for what you do! pic.twitter.com/uXWVW8XtK4
— 53 WG Command Chief (@53wg_ccc) October 1, 2017
Working with the USO, his foundation also regularly provides meals to service members and their families. Posts of thanks to him and his foundation can be found all over Twitter:
#serviceselfie thanx Gary Sinise 🙂 bbq at the Dallas USO = amazing. pic.twitter.com/1sBdm5NtVp
— Bree (@xxBreeIvesxx) November 9, 2015
Had lunch at the USO in the Dallas airport. Gary Sinise donated meals to 300 service members and their families! 2 thumbs up Gray!!
— Eric Kilianski (@sgmski2) April 13, 2015
Traveling through the Dallas airport and stopped at the USO. The Gary Sinise Foundation was providing lunch. Thanks USO and LT Dan! @GarySiniseFound @the_USO pic.twitter.com/XjlyoOcrJc
— Joe Fairfield (@joefairfield913) March 19, 2018
Sinise visits with the wounded and their families. He includes first responders among those his foundation helps.
It was such a blessing to visit with Police Officer Michael Flamion of Ballwin, Missouri who was seriously injured after being shot in the neck during a routine traffic stop. Welcome home, Michael and Sarah. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your service. God bless. https://t.co/x5BIGo4I7p
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 14, 2018
Patricia Heaton is right: His tireless and selfless work for those who give all for the rest of us is inspirational and certainly worthy of a Time magazine cover. If the point is about recognizing those who are “impactful,” he is clearly someone worthy of consideration, given how many individuals and their families he helps across the United States, in so many ways.
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