Categories: Charity

Military Connection: Gary Sinise Foundation to Aid CA Wounded Veteran: By Debbie Gregory

Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band are going to pick up where California school students left off in providing assistance for a local wounded Veteran. The actor, as famous for his movie roles as he is for his charitable acts for Veterans, donated $60,000 and is putting on a concert on May 10^th, at Lancaster, CA’s JetHawks Stadium.

Many Americans spend their 21^st birthdays celebrating and drinking with friends. Army Spc. Jerral Hancock spent his birthday serving in Iraq. Like many Americans, Hancock’s birthday is one that he’ll never forget. Unfortunately it is for all the wrong reasons. On that day, May 28, 2007, the tank that Hancock was driving was struck by a bomb and he lost one arm, lost the use of his legs and was severely burned over most of his body.

Upon his medical retirement from the Army, Hancock moved back home to Lancaster, CA, a city in Northern Los Angeles County, in the Mojave Desert. He lives in a trailer with his two small children and is helped by his parents who live across the street. Hancock has been welcomed home as a hero and proudly appears and speaks at patriotic functions and local schools.

It was at a session where Hancock spoke to students at Lancaster High School that the students learned that his trailer was not handicap accessible and that the Veteran could not maneuver his wheelchair through most of his home. The students took it upon themselves to try and aid their local war hero.

The students at Lancaster High take on yearly campaigns to raise money for Veteran causes. It is reported that teens usually raise up to $30,000 each year through fundraising events. This year, perhapsdue to the necessity of their cause, the students have raised much, much more.

Since May of 2013, the students have raised more than $180,000 with the intention of using the money to build Hancock a new home that is handicap accessible. They are calling their campaign “All the Way Home.” It is reported that the students closed escrow on the property last November and have begun construction. While they have accomplished so much for their cause, there is still much further to go in order to reach their $500,000 goal needed to complete the new home for Hancock and his family. Enter Gary Sinise.

Earlier this month, the “Forrest Gump” actor announced that his Gary Sinise Foundation and Lt. Dan Band would be supporting “All the Way Home” with a concert to help achieve their goal. The students promised to work to find sponsors for the concert and sell 3,500 tickets by May.

For more information about All the Way Home, visit their Facebook page.

Or click HERE for more information & to buy tickets for the May 10 concert. Tickets range between $35 and $50.

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