Actor Gary Sinise Twice Raised $1.3 Million For Veterans By Auctioning Off His Jeep

Aug 05, 2019 by apost team

Gary Sinise is one of the most celebrated actors in the world. He became an icon with his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan in 1994's "Forrest Gump." That role also garnered him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards. He went on to star in acclaimed films like "Truman" and "Apollo 13." He even won an Emmy for his role in "George Wallace."

It's his off-screen actions, though, that have made him a true living legend. For 40 years, he has gone out of his way to help service members, veterans, and first responders.

apost.com

His Lt. Dan Band has performed at United Service Organizations (USO) shows around the globe to entertain troops. The charity he created, The Gary Sinise Foundation, does so much to help. One of its many services is providing accessible homes for injured veterans and first responders. It also works to modify existing homes and vehicles so that they're accessible.

Recently, Sinise stepped up once again, raising more than $1.3 million for the nation's heroes. He donated a tricked-out, one-of-a-kind Jeep CJ7 to an auction in Arizona. All the proceeds were earmarked for first responders and veterans.

The Gas Monkey Garage — owned by reality star and entrepreneur Richard Rawlings — customized the Jeep with stars and stripes. At the auction, someone bought the Jeep for $200k. The generosity didn't stop there, though. Sunbelt Rentals gave an additional million dollars to the cause.

Not to be outdone, the person who won the auction put it up again! This time, it sold for $100k, making the total amount raised for charity $1.3 million.

Moved by the generosity, Sinise threw in a private dinner and tour of his foundation. He said the result of the auction was "hard to top" and that he was grateful that he got the chance to acknowledge the many veterans in the audience for the auction.

What do you think about Gary Sinise's ongoing work to help this country's veterans and service members? Has it inspired you to help in some way?