Gary Sinise – Executive Producer

For over 40 years, Gary Sinise has advocated on behalf of America’s Service Members. He began telling their story in 1984, when he directed Tracers at the Steppenwolf Theater Company in Chicago, IL. A company he founded. His support for local Vietnam Veterans’ groups grew after his portrayal of Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump. He formed an enduring connection with Service Members throughout the military community, and began working on behalf of the Disabled American Veterans organization, a relationship that continues today. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, his dedication to our nation’s active-duty defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families has become a tireless crusade of support, service, and gratitude for all those who protect our freedom and serve our nation.

In November of 2008, after a day of shooting CSI New York, Gary sat with Jake Rademacher and Norman Powell in a screening room at CBS to watch Brothers At War. Afterwards he sat quietly for many moments. Finally, he said, “Jake, it’s a very important film.” Gary became Executive Producer and the film’s champion. He traveled with Jake to military towns during its opening week, spoke about it on national television, and helped raise over $250,000 for veteran causes with the film.

In 2010, Gary saw the Brothers At War Companion Journal and said, “Let’s get it out there!” He organized a five base military tour which took place in 2011. The Workshop was so well received that it has now been conducted for more than 40,000 Service Members and their Families. In 2019, the Gary Sinise Foundation became the sole sponsor of the Brothers At War Workshops.

In 2016, Jake expressed a deep desire to revisit and reconnect with his friends from Iraq. Out of that conversation grew the idea for a sequel. The Gary Sinise Foundation funded the creation of Brothers After War. Production began in 2019, with Gary once again serving as Executive Producer. His four decades of incredible award-winning story telling – including an Oscar Nomination, multiple Emmys, and Tonys – proved invaluable, both in his mentorship of Jake, and his contribution to the final film.

Gary’s passion extended to the creation of the new Brothers After War Seminar. The seminar is the latest addition to the portfolio of programs offered by the Gary Sinise Foundation to support our Defenders and their Families.

In recognition for his humanitarian work, Gary Sinise has received numerous awards including: the Presidential Citizens Medal, Spirit of the USO Award, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Spirit of Hope Award by the Department of Defense, and Sylvanus Thayer Award from the West Point Association of Graduates.