Grateful American

Gary is a man who has found his purpose. His dedication to helping veterans, first-responders, and their families clearly comes from the heart, and he embodies the scripture “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much expected.” He makes it very clear that he knows he has been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, and time; he has used every bit of those blessings to put others before himself. Thousands have benefited from what this man considers his duty, but what I consider selfless acts of love. I believe if he were to read this review, he would simply tell me everything he has done has been an honor. Thank you, Gary, for all you do–including motivating others to follow your lead. I am grateful for Americans like you.

An interesting look in how Gary Sinise became one of the most prominent military and first responders supporters. It was nice to read about an actor who uses his popularity for a good thing. As a daughter of a Korean War and retired Army, I want to say thank you to him for caring and helping those in need.

In regards to his personal life, I had no idea he has been married to his wife for 40+ years. Congrats. What an accomplishment in these modern times. I also did not know all the movies he has been in and now want to try and watch them all.
If you are looking for a positive Hollywood story Grateful American is the book for you. Available now from your favorite book retailer.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, HarperCollins – Thomas Nelson, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

“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 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 Reagan

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 was also part of the “Launch Team” for this book.

After reading Gary’s memoir, I cannot help but be so very impressed with his commitment to supporting and honoring our veterans, and first responders… ‘America’s defenders’. And I cannot help but be impressed with the inner resolve that drives this man to live out his God-given purpose on this earth. This man is the real deal!

From his great-grandfather’s trip through Ellis Island…his own story of growing up on the south side of Chicago…creating one of the most important theater companies in America, Gary leads us to understand that everything in our lives can be woven together to show how God leads us into our own purpose for this life.

A little over halfway through the book Gary makes this statement, “When it came to my service, I wanted to be all in, all the time, living out my calling every single day for the rest of my life.” It hit me that if each one of us were to live out our purpose in the same way…all in, all the time, every single day…this world would be a much better place to live.

p.s. The only reason I have given this 4 stars instead of 5 is that he likes to begin with a big event giving the date or year of the event and then go a little backward in time with events that lead up to that event of having relevance to the story…which took some really concentrated focus to follow at times. But the retelling of those events is definitely interesting enough to keep you reading. He does talk about his theater and movie roles and experiences, which was very interesting.

I do recommend reading Gary’s book and hope that it will inspire you to go all in, all the time, every single day of your life to live out your own calling.

*I received an Advance Readers Copy from the publisher.

Gary Sinise has always been a favorite actor of mine. Once I heard and saw of his work for our nation’s veterans with The Gary Sinise Foundation, my respect only grew. I was overjoyed to read his book, “Grateful American: A Journey From Self to Service.” Gary is a talented performer who also runs a non profit, The Gary Sinise Foundation, meeting the needs of our injured or disabled veterans and first responders.

Coming from a family full of veterans and loved ones who are first responders, this book hits home with me. I was honored to get the opportunity to read early, and this book does not disappoint. Gary shares his story of growing up in Chicago as a young man attempting to find his place in the world. Troubled and floundering in high school, a caring drama teacher encouraged Gary to audition for a play, and the rest, as they say, is history. Hearing his story of growth, change and his finding faith later in his life makes for an emotional read.

Gary peppers the book with stories of those who give of themselves, their families and their lives to secure our freedoms. He realizes that he is a place where he can do more than most people can, and he takes the opportunity. I agree with Gary when he states, quite unequivocally, that “we can all do something.”

“Grateful American” pulls you into an intimate look at Gary’s life, his family, his acting work and his choice to become involved in creating a non profit that provides the things we all wish we could do for our veterans: support, encourage and give back the independence that catastrophic injuries take from those who have given for our freedoms. I was moved to tears often throughout the book, but I also felt that his message is one that will resonate with all of us.

One of the quotes I loved the most from the book centers on Gary’s faith journey and his call to do the most he can do for those in need: “I began to feel called by God to take greater action, compelled to use everything I’d been blessed with to serve in a more substantial way. I wanted to create something that could be there for the long haul and, over time, do good work for others.”

I feel very blessed to have been an early reader, thanks to Nelson Books. All opinions are my own. This book would make an excellent gift for just about any age group. I appreciated the chance to follow Gary’s journey and think many others will be inspired by his message. Don’t wait! Get a copy for yourself and for a friend. You will both be changed.

Interesting in learning about Gary, but kinda boring.

Loved it. I knew Mr. Sinead did a lot for our veterans but I did not realize just how much.

I loved it and all that Gary Sinese stands for!

Gary Sinise is an amazing man!

Really enjoyed this book.