Gary Sinise Foundation

Relief and resiliency outreach supports our nation's defenders, wounded/ill/injured veterans, their loved ones and families of fallen heroes as they cope with trauma and loss. The Foundation provided over 287 grants to these individuals in their time of urgent need. The Gary Sinise Foundation hosted 56 participants for their mentorship program seven-day retreat, introducing post 9/11 injured heroes with veterans from the vietnam and korean wars. In 2021 the Foundation hosted 2,850 families of fallen heroes at the virtual annual snowball event and 4,236 attendees at smaller virtual and in-person events to engage the families all year long.

Community outreach and education pivoted in 2021 to bring joy & relief to so many across the country. In 2021, the program provided 289 care packages to wwii veterans across the country. The program also documented 48 oral history stories from wwii veterans and by sponsoring a historian from the museum gsf has helped with the project to develop an ai profile for interviews so that guests can almost ask any question they'd like to ask and get a response. 209,485 active duty, veterans and first responders were served hearty, classic american meals as part of our serving heroes program. These meals are a message from grateful americans who appreciate their service and are a reminder that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The Foundation has enrolled 31 ambassadors to represent its mission through speaking engagements and leadership opportunities. The roster of speakers includes philanthropic celebrities, severely injured veterans, and congressional medal of honor recipients. The ambassador council inspires, educates and reminds communities to not only recognize their local veterans, but to remember the sacrifices made by all of america's defenders.

Through our r.i.s.e (restoring independence, supporting empowerment) program we're constructing one-of-a-kind specially adapted smart homes for our nation's most severely wounded veterans and first responders. This initiative supports our nation's wounded heroes, many who suffer from amputations, traumatic brain injuries (tbi), burns, and post traumatic stress. These 100% mortgage-free homes ease the daily challenges faced by these heroes and their families who sacrifice alongside them. During the fiscal year, the Gary Sinise Foundation completed 7 specially adapted smart homes for wounded heroes. By the end of the year, the Foundation had completed 75 homes for our injured heroes and their families since inception. In addition, through the gsf r.i.s.e. Program, the Foundation assisted with 7 adapted vehicles, 16 mobility devices, and 19 home modifications for america's injured, wounded, ill/aging defenders.

Whether the lt. dan band is boosting morale on military bases at home and abroad or raising awareness at benefit concerts across the country, the band entertains, educates, inspires and builds communities with its explosive live show everywhere it goes. The mission of every concert remains the same: honor. Gratitude. Rock & roll. The lt.dan band ended the fiscal year performing 10 concerts (1 live, 1 recorded, 8 virtual screenings) for attendees worldwide.

First responders outreach recognized and supports america 's firefighters, police and emts nationwide. These men and women are indispensable to maintaining the safety and support of our local communities. Grants assisted first responders with urgent needs from protective gear to safety equipment. In 2021, the program assisted 135 departments with over 1,603 pieces of equipment.