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Gary Sinise Plays Different Role in NASSIG Visit
Story Number: NNS030709-14
Release Date: 7/9/2003 11:22:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class David Hamilton, Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs
SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- It seems Naval Air Station Sigonella (NASSIG) has become a very popular stopping ground with the recent flourish of celebrity visits, including the NASCAR Team, Corvette Team and Robert Duvall to name a few, who have taken time out of their busy schedules to show their support for the service men and women of the armed forces all over the world.
July 7 was no different. Actor, director, producer Gary Sinise was welcomed with open arms by many Sailors and their families at NASSIG’s Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD), Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s (MWR) “Take Five” facility, and the Navy Exchange. You may know him as Lt. Dan in the Oscar winning film, “Forest Gump” (1993), or other films, such as “Apollo 13” (1996), “Of Mice and Men” (1991) and “Truman” (1995).
Within the past 10 days, Sinise has traveled to Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar as part of a United Service Organization (USO) tour. “After September 11, I wanted to assist in some way to show my support for the troops, so I volunteered with the USO,” said Sinise.
Sinise wasted no time at all, graciously signing autographs, allowing individual and group photos, and conversed with many Sailors and family members. When Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd (AW) Andrea Westerman, a Sailor at AIMD, was reading the MWR events publication “Preview” and noticed he was coming to NASSIG, she quickly grabbed one of her favorites, “Apollo 13,” to be autographed. “The autograph was nice, but what I enjoyed most about his visit was his very down to earth mannerism,” said Westerman. “I told Mr. Sinise I was leaving the Navy to pursue another career after proudly serving 12 years, and he was very sincere in saying, ‘Thank you for your hard work and dedication, and good luck to you in the future.'”
Sinise is no stranger to the military. His grandfather, father and uncle all served in the armed forces. His grandfather served in World War I, his uncle flew B-29s over Germany in World War II, and his father served in the Navy. “I just need to be supportive of the military,” said Sinise.
Sinise finds it remarkable that many Americans volunteer and sacrifice to serve. “With about 250 to 260 million Americans, and about half of a percent of those people defending our country every day,” he said, “a very small percent of people who do what you do…dedicate themselves to defending and serving our country.”
After visiting Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sinise will return home, but would like to travel again with the USO. “The first chance I get, I’ll travel to any part of the world the USO wants to send me to support the troops,” said Sinise.
For related news, visit the Naval Air Station Sigonella Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nassig.
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