31. Gary Sinise
Sometimes roles that actors portray in films have a much bigger influence on their lives than we realize. Such is the case for actor Gary Sinise; in 2004, he started a band named “Lt. Dan Band” – named after the character of Lieutenant Dan Taylor from the acclaimed film Forrest Gump, a war veteran who loses his legs, portrayed by Gary Sinise. The actor came up with the idea since he wanted to add music tours to the United Service Organizations, a non-profit organization providing live entertainment to members of the United States Armed Force.
Other than his band, which regularly volunteers to play on USO tours on military bases around the country, Sinise’s contribution to the soldiers and veterans of the United States is beyond words. Among other things, he founded an organization dedicated to help the members of the U.S military, their families and veterans, and in 2013 he participated in the Troopathon, to help raise money for care-packages to American troops. In 2012 and 2013 he was awarded two honorary badges – he was honored at the U.S Navy Memorial and made U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, and he was awarded the third highest honor from the Department of Army Civillian Awards for his outstanding contributions to the U.S army communities.