 |
Lt. Dan Performance Highlights DSTRESS
(March 14, 2011) | 
|
|
|
|
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (MCN
3/18/2011) — The Combat Center's Sunset Cinema was filled with Marines,
sailors and friends, March 12, 2011 pumped up to hear a performance by
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. |
Gary Sinise, known for his role as the salty amputee veteran
shrimper, Lt. Dan, in the movie “Forrest Gump,” and his role in the
weekly show “CSI: New York,” has been coming to the Combat Center
with his band for seven years, working closely with the USO.
“I'm part of a team, and we do what we can,” Sinise said. “I
want to show them we don't forget what they do for us.”
The
night also focused on the DSTRESS program, encouraging Marines to
reach out and talk to someone about personal battles.
“We
are doing everything we can to keep our defenders strong,” Sinise
said. “I know how important it is to keep them strong; I have
Vietnam [veterans] in my family.” |
|
Gary Sinise entertains the crowd after a song
during his concert featuring the Lt. Dan Band March 12, 2011 at the
Combat Center's Sunset Cinema.
|
|
To speak to the Marines about the program and encourage them to take
advantage of it, Jay Vargas, a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam
veteran, spoke to the crowd before the concert.
“It took me a
long time to open up,” Vargas said. “This program is great, and I
encourage you to call the number.”
The band played an assortment
of familiar songs from a variety of genres, making it easy for the
audience to dance and sing along with their favorite tunes.
The
band also involved the audience, randomly pulling people on-stage to
sing along with the group.
The night even included a
theater-wide conga line.
Many of the volunteers for the event
were excited about Sinise's appearance, and said they just “had to get
in on it.”
“He's my favorite actor,” said Pfc. Cody Bowen, a
student at the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School and
volunteer at the event. “It's awesome that somebody so big takes the
time to come here.”
The night ended with Brig. Gen. H. Stacy
Clardy III, the installation's commanding general, presenting a Marine
Corps running suit with “Lt. Dan” embroidered on the back to Gary Sinise. | |
Article and photo by USMC LCpl. Sarah Anderson
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
Copyright 2011
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
Comment on this article
|
Bronze Star Recipients |
Other Heroes |
|
