Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service

Known by most as Lieutenant Dan for his famous role Forest Gump, Since translated that fame into a service oriented life focused on veterans and military members. His non-profit does an amazing amount of work to help veterans, especially wounded ones. This memoir goes back to his early flunking-out-of-school days, to his founding of the award winning Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, eventually culminating in how his acting career left him feeling like he needed to give something back. When several veteran's organizations honor him for his most well-known role, the path is laid out for him, and he never stops moving. There is a ton of behind the scenes stuff here, and the book never reads like one of those Hollywood, ghost-written ego show more pieces. Sinise's politics don't match mine exactly but his service sets him apart.

5 bones!!!!!
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A very well written and emotional testimony of one man’s journey to “do more.” Gary Sinise is a true American hero. He has unselfishly done so much for so many. This book chronicles his journey from a young (somewhat rebellious) teen to a talented actor to an ambassador of goodwill demonstrating kindness and compassion wherever life takes him. The book is filled with stories of his life, his family, and friends along with powerful stories of some of the amazing men and women he has met and has helped over the years. There were many pages that were difficult to read because of the tears clouding my vision. What an inspirational book written by a very inspirational man. Now, if we could all just “do more.” I was so very show more fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book from the author and have thoroughly enjoyed reading it. show less

Years ago, I watched Forest Gump. Not for Tom Hanks and the amazing character he played, but for Lt. Dan. As a teenager, I had a major crush on Lieutenant Dan and all he his role entailed. Of course, that probably had a lot to do with the amazing actor behind him, Gary Sinise. Ever since then, I have followed Sinise's happenings in the news and all his acting roles. So, when this book was available to review, I jumped at the chance to read it.

As the daughter of a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, I am very passionate about our men and women who serve. I am passionate about remembering them if they have fallen, honoring them if they are veterans or wounded warriors, thanking them if they are currently serving so that I, show more and my family, may stay free. Gary Sinise is a fellow passionate person about the same things. He includes many happenings in this book, from Oswald and Kennedy to the Wound Warriors. He shows us, as Americans, the way it should be. The way the world can be a better place if we just do a little more to be grateful Americans.

The emotion with with Sinise wrote this book is felt as a reader. He's a grateful man, not forgetting who he is, or where he came from. He's a grateful man, making sure that others know just how thankful he is. He is a grateful man, who makes sure that the children of the fallen soldiers are not forgotten. This man is a man of God, and one who definitely has me wanting to keep this 5 star book forever! Not one to love memoirs, this book had me smiling, crying and thanking Sinise for his amazing heart and spiritual guidance with this book! I definitely suggest you grab a copy of this book and be moved by the memorable words of this talented man.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booklook Blogger Program, Harper Collins (Thomas Nelson) and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* show less

I've always liked Gary Sinise's acting, but after reading this I admire his dedication to the armed forces. He volunteers much of his time visiting, encouraging and raising money for veterans.

He lays out his story, from a kid without much direction to an outstanding actor and director, not glossing over the hard times. A very well written and engaging book.

“The nation which forgets it defenders will be itself forgotten” – Calvin Coolidge

Gary Sinise, an Oscar nominated actor for his supporting role as Lt. Dan Taylor in the 1994 blockbuster “Forrest Gump”, has also appeared in other big screen roles such as Apollo 13, Ransom, Reindeer Games, Mission to Mars, and Of Mice and Men which he also directed.

He has also appeared in the TV movie George Wallace for which he won the CableACE Award (best actor), SAG (best actor), and an Emmy (best actor).

His first starring TV role was as Detective Mac Taylor in CSI: New York from 2004-2013. He also starred in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.

This book details Gary’s life from his youth in Chicago, to the founding of the Steppenwolf Theater show more Company, to directing, to acting, his passion and advocacy for those who serve our country, as well as forming the Gary Sinise Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to honor the defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. (Some text taken from the website).

This isn’t just a book about his life before his acting career; instead this book is a compelling story of how a young man with no goals in his early years stepped up to become a man on a mission – to make a difference in the lives of those who serve us. The sacrifices made, the differences made, the journey along the way.

With sincerity, and sometimes humor-infused story-telling, Gary recounts the events of his youth, his marriage, his children, and his acting career. He includes the good and not so good sides of his own personal life and marriage. His admiration of his wife through her heart-breaking struggles is refreshing and honest, if not downright inspiring.

He recounts the military histories of not only his family, but his wife Moira’s own family. It is through these connections, along with his faith, that his dedication to our military and first responders has strengthened.

But, it wasn’t always that way, and he is quick to point that out with honesty and candor along the way.

Gary, the oldest of three children, had a rather turbulent and misdirected youth. Not having a real interest in school work, he did poorly as a student. However after acting in a high school production of “West Side Story”, Gary found his calling as an actor. But, it would be a few decades before he would be able to see success as an actor.

In 1974, Gary, along with two classmates – Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry (Nash Bridges, 1997-2001) founded The Steppenwolf Theater Company.

Despite its success today, the theater didn’t see success right away, at one point it was even broke. Gary details some of the good, bad, and even humorous tales of its origins and productions. He even recounts how an unpopular decision became a turning point in the theater’s success and recognition.

From the theater’s origins in a church basement to its current location on Halsted Road, it has not only launched the careers of several notable actors – John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, Gary Cole, Dennis Farina, and others – but it has gone on to produce plays in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and London. The company has even won a Tony Award for its presentation of The Grapes of Wrath proving that sometimes an unpopular decision can sometimes work out to an unforeseen advantage and/or success.

Gary moved from the theater to directing films and television shows. Some works include Crime Story, China Beach, and Of Mice and Men, the latter he also starred in and his father edited.

In 1981, Gary Sinise married fellow Steppenwolf performer Moira Harris. They have three children: Sophie (b.1988), Mac (b.1990), and Ella (b.1992). And, as of 2017 – they have a granddaughter (Moira).

But, despite some encouragement from a well known producer, directing isn’t what Gary Sinise wanted to do. He wanted to act.

It wouldn’t be until the 1994 blockbuster Forrest Gump when he’d start gaining recognition as an actor. The role of “Lt. Dan” became more than an Oscar-nominated supporting role though. It resonated with disabled veterans, Vietnam vets, and inspired service members. Lt. Dan’s struggles were not some Hollywood construct – but instead actual struggles. Gary’s positive performance re-ignited recognition of their plight, especially after Vietnam. After being recognized and honored for his portrayal, it inspired Gary to do more to honor our military and thank them for their service.

Instead of walking away from that role and shun the typecasting, he later used it to propel his own mission forward, starting with USO handshake tours, moving up to performing for troops.

But, even after “Forrest Gump”, Gary had other roles – though none as compelling as Lt. Dan. In the midst of personal achievements, there were also personal heartbreaks. Still, he forged ahead in his acting career.

It wasn’t until 9/11 that everything changed and “Lt. Dan” was recalled to active duty. This time he wouldn’t be fighting a war – he’d be providing moral support and encouragement for the troops.

The character’s name eventually became the name of Gary Sinse’s band formed in 2003 (not named until 2004) – the “Lt. Dan Band” had one sole focus – the troops – to entertain them, give them messages of love and support from home, and our gratitude for their tireless efforts. As Gary details in his book, this cover/tribute band was founded solely for the troops and since that time has played more than 400 shows between domestic military bases to overseas.

This book, while sometimes disjointed in the chronology, is written to educate and entertain – two of the primary goals of his foundation. But, it also serves as an inspiration – a call to duty to champion the cause of our crusaders – military, fire fighters, police, and EMTs. Our real heroes, their challenges – how we as civilians can give back, how we can express our gratitude.

Gary talks about the people he’s met along the way, the challenges they face; how 9/11 re-shaped and forever changed our own mindsets, even his own – and his goal along the way got bigger and bigger.

His travels to South Korea and the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) are also heart-wrenching, a stark difference between freedom and tyranny separated by a line. A line many of us will never know.

And, timing has also played a crucial role in Gary’s life.

By taking a TV role on CBS’ CSI: NY, Gary not only found financial stability for his family, but it would allow him to continue his work for the troops. Spoiler – it’s no accident the character Detective Mac Taylor has the same last name as Lt. Dan.

For nine seasons, 2004-2013, while viewers tuned in to see 9/11 family member and former Marine Detective Mac Taylor on CSI: NY, Gary also toured with the USO, and spread messages of support and gratitude . He also, slowly, built the seeds for the foundation, which started in his office on the CBS Studio lot.

This is book is not only the story of the origins of an actor, the chairman of a foundation – but one man’s dream, his mission – to make a difference – to make sure our nation’s heroes are never forgotten.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Ronald Regan

And, through his work and now this book, Gary makes us aware of how precious that gift is – who we have to thank – and how much more work is needed to be done.

I found myself in tears on more than one occasion, and I do recommend keeping a few tissues handy. I also laughed in certain places. But, this was, as I was telling on my social media accounts while I read it – an inspiring, emotionally engaging, heart-breaking, and compelling read.

Autobiographies and biographies are not my genre – but this is a must read. “Grateful American – From Self to Service” is appropriately titled.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. I am also part of the “Launch Team” for this book. show less

We keep looking for heroes and calling people heroes who end up being deeply flawed. Gary Sinise is a true hero for our modern times. He gives not only his money but he gives his time to America's military and first responders -- to them and to their families. This book is Gary's life - how he turned around from being a troubled young man in Chicago to being an award winning actor and humanitarian. You don't want to miss it!

What a wonderful book to read (or even better.... listen to). There were many parts of this biography that resonated tremendously with me. The candid way Mr. Sinise described his family's struggle with his wife's alcohol dependency hit very close to my own family's struggle with my mother's fight with this drug!
Also as the wife of a now retired military member I felt like many of the things Mr. Sinise described could have been told by my husband.