Lt. Dan Band

The Lt. Dan Band is an American cover band originally formed in Chicago in 2003 by Gary Sinise and Kimo Williams to perform at USO shows, entertain troops, and raise money for disabled veterans. The band is named after the character Lieutenant Dan Taylor, whom Sinise portrayed in the film Forrest Gump. Sinise has said in interviews that many people know him by sight as "Lieutenant Dan" rather than by his real name, hence the band's name.[1] The concept came about when Sinise asked for permission to bring musicians on his USO tours. The group was initially known as "Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band".[2]

Not to be confused with The Dan Band.
Lt. Dan Band
Chicago Air and Water Festival, 2008
Chicago Air and Water Festival, 2008
Background information
OriginChicago, Illinois, U.S.
GenresRock, pop
Years active2003–present
Members
  • Gary Sinise
  • Gina Gonzalez
  • Mari Anne Jayme
  • Jeff Vezain
  • Kirk Garrison
  • Danny Gottlieb
  • Beth Gottlieb
  • Dan Myers
  • Ernie Denov
  • Ben Lewis
  • Mitch Paliga
  • Julie Dutchak
  • Molly Callinan
  • Tom “Bones” Malone
Past members
Websitewww.ltdanband.com

The Lt. Dan Band has grown from the occasional jam session and Chicago-area gigs to performing for charities and non-profit organizations including the USO[3] and Operation Iraqi Children, the latter of which was co-founded by Sinise in March 2004.[4] In 2011, a documentary was released regarding the band and Sinese's work to benefit veterans.[5] They frequently visit military bases in the United States and abroad, as of February 2019 they have played over 400 concerts.[6]

Sinise was involved in building a memorial to America's three million, living, disabled veterans.[7] Completed in 2014, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial was built due to the efforts of Sinise and the band championing the cause of the Disabled American Veterans.[8]

Awards

For his humanitarian work, Sinise has received the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment, the Spirit of the USO Award, Sylvanus Thayer Award, Doughboy Award, Dwight D. Eisenhower Award, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He was given the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2008.[9]

  • Kimo Williams playing lead guitar on June 26, 2009 (June 26, 2009 (2009-06-26))
    Kimo Williams playing lead guitar on June 26, 2009 (June 26, 2009 (2009-06-26))
  • Performance in the courtyard of the Pentagon in support of the America Supports You program (May 5, 2006 (2006-05-05))
    Performance in the courtyard of the Pentagon in support of the America Supports You program (May 5, 2006 (2006-05-05))
  • Gina Gonzalez, Gary Sinise, and Jeff Vezain (July 14, 2008 (2008-07-14))
    Gina Gonzalez, Gary Sinise, and Jeff Vezain (July 14, 2008 (2008-07-14))

References
  1. "Lt. Dan Band Profile". Archived from the original on 2007-03-11. Retrieved 2007-04-04.
  2. CBS Interview, Nov 2009
  3. "Lt. Dan Band Performance History". Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  4. "Operation Iraqi Children: Mission Statement". 2004. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  5. Hewitt, Hugh (4 July 2011). "Gary Sinese and the Lt. Dan Band movie". Washington Examiner. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
    "Gary Sinise talks about 'Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good'". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
    Hill, Shelby (27 June 2011). "Gary Sinise rocks and rolls for the troops". Variety. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  6. Warner, Kara (13 February 2019). "Forrest Gump Star Gary Sinise Opens Up About Raising $30 Million Annually for Veterans". People. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  7. Gilmore, Gerry (2007-01-29). "Sinise Supports Disabled Veterans' Memorial". Army.Mil/News. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  8. Widener, Laura (27 August 2019). "Video: Gary Sinise celebrates 25 years with Disabled American Veterans". American Military News. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  9. "Gary Sinise | National Memorial Day Concert | PBS". www.pbs.org. Retrieved 18 August 2016.


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