Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band rock Eielson

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band finished their 15th Tour of military bases Sept. 18, 2010 at Eielson Air Force Base.

Gary Sinise, known for his roles in CSI: NY, Apollo 13 and Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump, performed with the Lt. Dan Band in a fast-paced show for the servicemembers in the area.

Saturday's concert was not the only appearance Mr. Sinise made. He started his visit off at the dining facility along with Ret. Army Major Drew Dix, a veteran recipient of the Medal of Honor formerly stationed at Ft. Wainwright. Both men posed with Airmen and dining facility staff before going to the community center to meet more servicemembers and their families.

"We're here to recognize the troops but a lot of it is also for the families and the sacrifices they make as well," said Mr. Dix.

The performances and face time he spent with the military members and their families were ultimately as a personal thank you from Mr. Sinise. During the band's performance in the Thunderdome the percussion and vocals echoed brilliantly providing the true concert feel. During the first notes of their entrance song fathers put their sons and daughters on their shoulders and the crowd erupted into applause. The concert brought families together for an evening of fun.

"You see the looks on the faces of the troops and their families and kids and people that are having a good time and you just can't replace that, it's a great reward to be able to entertain folks," said Mr. Sinise. "The show is set up so that all the songs are familiar to the troops. We do a little something for everybody, the purpose of that is to make sure everybody has a good time, feels positive and uplifts their spirits. It's a good feeling to know we can help do something like that."

The Lt. Dan Band incorporated the participation of the crowd in a conga line that snaked through the standing audience during the song "Conga" by Gloria Estefan.

"The troops serving are very important to us," said Mr. Dix. "I'm privileged to be able to travel with Gary and show our appreciation for what they do because you can't just tell them in words how you feel, you have to show them they're really special and we're glad. These shows really get people cranked up I believe."

One of the songs the Airmen and their families sang along to was "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. Through the music performed by the band and their overall presence they communicated their message to the Airmen of Eielson.

"Our message to the Airmen of Eielson is clear and simple," said Mr. Sinise. "It's thank you for serving our country. We try to leave everyone with an understanding that we came especially to see them and their families and we're grateful. We can't forget our defenders. It's a dangerous world out there and we just have to do everything we can to show our appreciation and keep them strong."