Sinise: We Can Always Try To Do More

CSI: New York star Gary Sinise (Mac Taylor) supports the American military to thank them for their service.

Sinise has family members that served in the military, and he remembers the negative reception Vietnam veterans got when they returned to the United States. “We can never let that happen again to these men and women who serve this country,” Sinise said. “They should be able to wear their uniforms proudly. They fight and sacrifice in ways that very few of us can imagine.”

“Many years ago I got involved with Vietnam veteran support groups in the Chicago, Illinois, area,” he continued. “After September 11, 2001, once we started deploying our troops to Afghanistan and Iraq, I began a mission to let them know that they are supported and that there are people out there who are grateful for their service.”

“We are lucky we have such people,” Sinise said. “What would we do if no one wanted to serve to defend the freedoms we all enjoy? And so, I feel the need to do what I can to thank them for that service in order to help keep them strong in tough times. You would be amazed at what a simple thank you will do.”

Sinise has shown his appreciation by visiting American troops around the world. “My goal is always to cover as many miles as possible and to take pictures, sign autographs and shake hands with as many troops as I can in the time I have,” he explained. Sinise has traveled with his Lt Dan Band to perform for soldiers, and he supports grassroots efforts to help troops. He also visits wounded soldiers. “I could not be more honored to play a small part in helping our troops and their families,” he said. “We can never do enough for our veterans who have sacrificed so much to keep this nation free.”

Despite all that he has done for troops, Sinise insists, “[W]e can always try to do more.” He added, “It is my goal to continue to visit our troops, wherever they may serve. It is the least I can do for the men and women who continue to do so much for our country.”