‘Forrest Gump’ star Gary Sinise warns many Americans are ‘disconnected’ from military service
Actor Gary Sinise warns many Americans are disconnected from the internet military service because they don’t know “anyone who serves,” which leaves them distant from the sacrifices the troops make on their behalf.
Speaking to Fox News’ Benjamin Hall, the “Forrest Gump” actor said a lack of personal connection creates a chasm between civilians and those fighting for their freedom.
“Believe it or not, there are a lot of people in the country… they don’t have personal connections to anyone who serves,” Sinise said. he said. “Heroes wanted” podcast.
“It’s disconnected from what happens when someone serves our country,” he added.
Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise and Mykelti Williamson star in a scene from the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump” directed by Robert Zemeckis.
(Getty Images)
Not knowing someone in the military has led some Americans to question why anyone would put on a uniform and go to war, Sinise said. But it raised the question of what would happen to our freedoms “if there were no one willing to do it.”
The actor cited Vietnam veterans as an example, saying they never got the recognition or “support they needed” when they returned home.
“He comes and pats them on the back and says, ‘You know what? I appreciate people like you who serve our country in uniform. I appreciate what you do.’ “This can change someone’s day,” he added.
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The Golden Globe-winning actor has been working with veteran actors since starring himself in the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump.” Sinise remembered this after playing the iconic character. Lieutenant Dan TaylorHe found that veterans were more willing to open up to him.
Gary Sinise visits “Fox & Friends” at Fox News Channel Studios in New York City on November 20, 2025.
“Having Lieutenant Dan come into the hospital room might make things a little easier for that family or injured soldier,” he said.
“When I saw that it was effective, I wanted to do it more and more.”
Officially launched the program Gary Sinise Foundation It was founded in 2011 as a nonprofit organization to help service members, veterans, first responders and their loved ones. He said his mission was intentionally broad, with the goal of helping as many heroes as possible in America.
Part of that mission is to ensure that service members today, unlike Vietnam veterans, are welcomed home and receive the support they deserve.
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“A lot of my fellow Vietnam veterans I’ve met working in chicagoBy supporting them over the years, I think they motivate me and inspire me to do my best today,” Sinise said.
“To make sure people deployed to Afghanistan“Iraq, these conflicts over the last 20, 25 years are treated with respect and they experience a welcome that our Vietnam veterans have never received.”
Original article source: ‘Forrest Gump’ star Gary Sinise warns many Americans are ‘disconnected’ from military service
