Sinise 'Is A Great American'

One Hollywood star is recognized for supporting the military.

CSI Files previously reported that CSI: New York leading man Gary Sinise (Mac Taylor) was presented with a Presidential Citizens Medal last week. The medal, according to the official website, is given "to recognize US citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for the nation." It is the second-highest honor the President can bestow on a civilian.

"Gary is a true friend of the American soldier. He does not hesitate to travel into war zones to express his admiration and personal support for those who defend us. He visits wounded soldiers, some of whom I personally know. All love him," Michael Yon, a Special Forces veteran and war journalist, said in a dispatch as reported by the Washington Times. "Soldiers from privates to generals admire Gary for his dedication to a cause greater than any of us. Gary's dedication went much further. He personally supported sending millions of dollars worth of school and clothing supplies to Iraqi children. I saw this effort with my own eyes. Gary Sinise is a Great American."

Filmmaker and Army 82nd Airborne veteran Jonathan Flora accompanied Sinise when he and his Lt Dan Band visited troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. On one occasion, Sinise made an unscheduled stop at a check point in Iraq and took the time to greet every soldier that came to meet him--including one young man who ran up as they were getting ready to leave. Flora described the situation as typical for Sinise. "When we did finally get into the vehicle I mentioned to Gary how I observe how he makes each and every man or woman feel special and appreciated, he paused in thought before answering, as he often does, and then says with a heavy heart, 'It's because we don't know what the next hour holds for them. As tired as I might get sometimes, and I do, it is nothing compared to what they go through day-after-day with the price they are so readily willing to pay,'" Flora explained. Fox News will air Flora's hour-long special on January 10.

The original article is from the Washington Times.

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