The Gary Sinise Foundation serves veterans, first responders, and their families through various programs that provide entertainment, support, and resources. Their mission is directed by actor Gary Sinise who has advocated for the military community for 30 years. The Foundation's key programs include the Lt. Dan Band which performs for the military, relief efforts for those recovering from trauma, "Invincible Spirit Festivals" which celebrate wounded veterans, and initiatives providing housing, vehicles, and home modifications to improve independence and mobility. They highlight the stories of wounded veterans who have received assistance from programs like customized "Smart Homes" that are specially designed based on individual needs and injuries.

3. Our Mission
At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our
nation by honoring our defenders, veterans,
first responders, their families, and those in
need.
We do this by creating and supporting unique
programs designed to entertain, educate,
inspire, strengthen, and build communities.
“Freedom and security are
precious gifts that we, as
Americans, should never take
for granted. We must do all we
can to extend our hand in times
of need to those who willingly
sacrifice each day to provide
that freedom and security.
While we can never do enough
to show gratitude to our nation's
defenders, we can always do a
little more.”
- Gary Sinise

4. The Foundation
• The Gary Sinise Foundation was established
under the philanthropic direction of a thirty-
year advocate for our nation’s defenders, actor
Gary Sinise. Its outreach is directed to those
who defend our nation—our Active Duty Service
Members, Veterans, First-Responders and their
families—with the goal of fulfilling the gaps of
support they oftentimes encounter
and extending America’s gratitude wherever
possible.
• While our mission is broad we’ve created 6 key
programs that help our heroes in the areas of
entertainment and family support.
“The nation which
forgets its defenders will itself be
forgotten.” -President Calvin Coolidge

5. Our Programs

6. The LT Dan Band was founded in 2004 with a mission of supporting
military members and their families. After the attack on September
11, 2001, and with the deployment of our military to Afghanistan and
Iraq in response, Gary Sinise volunteered to visit the troops with the
USO.
They have since performed hundreds of shows on military bases
across the world.
In 2011, Gary Sinise and The LT Dan Band officially became a
program of the non profit Gary Sinise Foundation. Its mission is to
serve our military, veteran and first responder communities by
entertaining, boosting morale and raising funds wherever needed.

7. Life can change in an instant, especially for our nation's defenders and their
families. That's why the Gary Sinise Foundation Relief & Resiliency Outreach
program was established to provide complete support to those recovering
from trauma and loss during times of urgent need.
We're also helping heal their emotional wounds by hosting exciting events
and activities for those enduring similar struggles. By building a community
of strong friendships and forming joyful, lasting memories, they can find new
hopes for the future together.

8. The heroic spirit displayed by our wounded servicemen and women
throughout the rigors of rehabilitation is an inspiration. To show
our gratitude for their sacrifices, we designed our Invincible Spirit
Festivals to celebrate not only the courage of our wounded heroes,
but of their families and caregivers as well. Each day-long festival
brings a live Gary Sinise & Lt. Dan Band concert, a fair-like
atmosphere for children, and a delicious meal prepared by Celebrity
Chef Robert Irvine to our nation's military medical hospitals.

9. Nothing offers an opportunity to bond
and give thanks quite like breaking
bread together. That's why we're
showing gratitude to our nation's
defenders by serving them hearty,
classic American meals during their
airport layovers at the USO-Los
Angeles, USO-San Diego, USO-Dallas
Fort Worth, USO-Las Vegas, USO-
Great Lakes, and other locations
around the country.

10. As a co-founder of the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago, Gary
helped establish their Veteran's Night program, a tradition
that continues nearly thirty years later. In order to combine
his long-standing love of the arts with his quest to serve our
nation's defenders, Gary has brought Veteran's Night to Gary
Sinise Foundation by creating our Arts & Entertainment
Outreach Program. We now offer Veteran’s Night at the
Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and look to expand this at
theaters around the country.

11. Our Ambassadors Council represents the
Gary Sinise Foundation's mission and purpose through
speaking engagements, public appearances, and
leadership opportunities around the world. Each
member is individually selected by our founder for their
exceptional character and patriotism. As spokespersons
on behalf of the Gary Sinise Foundation, they proudly
share our accomplishments, aspirations as well as their
own stories of service to inspire and educate new
supporters and form personal connections.

12. The simple tasks of everyday life -- climbing stairs, reaching a high shelf, driving to the
grocery store -- are easy to take for granted. Because they’re done without a second
thought, it’s impossible to imagine an inability to perform them. But that’s often the
reality for our severely wounded heroes, where basic tasks are impossible obstacles and
the enduring ambition of rehabilitation is to achieve a semblance of normalcy.
R.I.S.E. was established to provide wounded heroes and their families with the necessary
resources to overcome their new life challenges. Whether providing home modifications,
adapted vehicles, wheelchairs/trackchairs or constructing custom Smart Homes, the
Gary Sinise Foundation is committed to helping our wounded heroes increase their
mobility and reclaim their self-reliance.

13. These debilitating injuries can have a ripple effect on an
entire household especially when familial roles are upended
and the new, difficult responsibilities of day-to-day care are
shouldered by others. Imagine living in total reliance on
caregivers to perform even the most mundane, sometimes
very personal tasks, every day. The feeling of demoralization
is profound, especially for our service members who pride
themselves on competence and self-reliance.
Atop the emotional and physical stresses are the added
financial burdens. Most military families lack the means to
purchase or retrofit a home specifically designed for their
individual needs, nor obtain an adapted vehicle for
transportation or sometimes even a suitable wheelchair. By
providing the necessary equipment and financial assistance,
we can help these heroes reclaim their dignity and self-
reliance in order to move forward with their lives.

14. Home isn’t just four walls. It is about
finding a place that makes you feel
welcome and motivates you to succeed.
With features like retractable cooktops, cabinets
and shelving, automated lighting, heating, air-
conditioning and window treatments controlled by
an iPad, as well as elevators, roll-in bathrooms,
front-load washers and dryers, intercom systems
and automated doors, our custom Smart Homes
can help restore each hero's independence in
countless ways.
Each Smart Home recipient participates in every
detail of their home from selecting the location, to
designing the floor plan to suit their hobbies, and
customizing the interiors to suit their design
aesthetic. These homes are truly one-of-a-kind.

15. By the end of 2014, we will have begun construction
preparations, broken ground, or completed
28
Smart Homes across the country

16. Our Smart Home Recipients

17. How Smart Home Recipients Are Selected
The decisions are based on severity of injuries,
which is why we focus primarily on double, triple,
and quadruple amputees and those with traumatic
brain injury and severe burns who may be unable to
care for themselves and who require others to take
care of them. The vetting process is based on the
capacity and ability to manage, own, and maintain
home ownership.
Additionally, there are organizations such as Semper
Fi, Wounded Warrior Family Support, and Hope for
the Warriors who will refer wounded heroes to the
Gary Sinise Foundation. They not only assist with
identifying potential Smart Home recipients, but
they also conduct vetting to expedite the process.
Lastly, Gary Sinise has personal relationships with
several military hospitals and is in regular
communication with key hospital staff and
leadership. Gary makes frequent visits throughout
the year to a number of hospitals, and has the
opportunity to meet wounded heroes and their
families on a regular basis.

18. USMC Cpl. Juan Dominguez:
Home Complete
Age: 29
Location: Temecula, CA
Caregiver: Alexis Dominguez,
Wife, 24
Children: Victoria,11 & Ami, the
toy poodle, 2
Hobbies: Playing the drums,
writing music, cycling,
spending time with his wife and
daughter
Favorite Memories: Having the
opportunity to share his passion
for music with Roger Waters of
Pink Floyd, Dave Kilminster, and
G.E Smith at Madison Square
Garden in front of 5,700 people
and playing the bongos with Gary
Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.
Joining the Marine Corps wasn't a decision that Juan Dominguez had to think very much about; it was
in his blood. Following in the footsteps of his lifelong hero, his Father, a Vietnam Army veteran and
Bronze Star recipient, as well as his Uncles and Grandfather; September 4th, 2010 was a happy day for
Dominguez. "I headed off to MCRD San Diego for boot camp, and proudly graduated meritoriously
as squad leader and Private First Class", says Dominguez with a huge smile on his face. After
completing his military occupational specialty Juan was sent to 3rd battalion 5th Marines and upon
completion of a work up he set off on the 31st MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) in January 2009.
At noon on October 23, 2010 in Helmand province Sangin Afghanistan as point man for a team of
twenty-five, Juan stepped on a 30lb wooden pressure-plated plastic jug IED (Improvised Explosive
Device). The ensuing blast sent him fifteen feet in the air. 20 minutes later Juan lost both legs above
the knee and his right arm above the elbow 6 hours later. Additional injuries from the blast include
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), severe PTS (Post Traumatic Stress), permanent hearing loss in both ears,
and five hernias in the abdomen wall. To date, Dominguez has endured over twenty-five surgeries.
Juan has been awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Navy Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with star, Global War On
Terrorism Service Medal, NATO ISAF Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Sea Service Deployment
Ribbon with star.
Dominguez serves as a Gary Sinise Ambassador, Director of Social Media for Warfighter Made, and
popular motivational speaker. Juan's TEDx talk has almost 4,000 page views.

19. The Dominguez Home
Having the space in their new home to pursue both of their
individual passions, art and music, was important to Juan and
Alexis. Their Smart Home features a music room where Juan
can play the drums and work towards his degree in music
production and Alexis can work towards hers in illustration
and run her design business EleXeye Design

20. Family means everything to SFC (Ret) Michael Schlitz. In 1996 at age 20, Mike was trying to find his calling in life. Not convinced
that he was ready to attend college, Mike, following in his older Brother(ARMY) and Grandfather's (NAVY) footsteps, enlisted
and entered active duty at FT Benning, GA. Born in Milan, IL Mike grew to love the community at FT Benning where he
attended Basic and AIT and the community there became his brothers and fellow 11B Infantrymen. Serving in several positions
from Rifleman to Platoon Sergeant, Mike was a natural leader. He served with units such as B co 1/ 5 INF BN, FT. Lewis, WA
(25th ID), A co 1/ 503rd INF BN, Camp Casey, Korea (2nd ID), A co 1/ 502nd INF BN, FT Campbell, KY (101st ABN
DIV), E co 102 MI BN (LRSD) Camp Hovey, Korea (2nd ID), 4th Ranger Training BN, FT Benning, GA, and 4/ 31 INF BN
FT Drum, NY (10th MTN DIV).
Serving in the Army for 14 years before his medical retirement Schlitz was passionate about his career and has many awards and
decorations: Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal 2nd Award, Army Commendation Medal 5th award, Army Achievement
Medal 7th award, Good Conduct Award 4th award, National Defense w/ bronze star, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon w/ number 3, Army Service
Ribbon, Over Sea's Service Ribbon w/ number 3, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Air Assault Badge,
Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab.
On February 27, 2007 an IED consisting of 2X 155mm Artillery rounds and a Propane tank struck Schlitz's vehicle. His Gunner
and Medic were tragically killed on impact and his Driver passed away shortly after he got out of the vehicle. Mike was sitting in
the TC passenger seat and was thrown from the vehicle and caught on fire. He was put out by a fellow soldier and MEDEVAC
to Baghdad where they were able to stabilize him for transfer to Germany and then on to Brook Army Medical Center where he
spent 10 months in the hospital. His injuries include loss of hands, 85% total body burns, and loss of eye sight in the left eye due
to a scarred cornea. Mike has endured over 83 surgeries. Mike's recovery is far from over and several surgeries on the horizon but
his spirit remains positive: "On the day I got hurt, I lost my entire crew. Now, I want to live a better life for them. A life they
would be proud of", says Schlitz.
Schlitz and his mother Robbi, his primary caregiver and support system since his injuries are thrilled about returning to Georgia
where Mike's one-of-a-kind Smart Home is under construction. While Schlitz is thrilled to close to his military and civilian
friends, he is most looking forward to giving his Mom back her support system as well. "Mom will have 100% her own space
with its own living area, bathroom, bedroom, and garage. She is going to have room for her hobbies and to entertain her
girlfriends and have much deserved girls day", says Schlitz. For Mike the independence he will gain is infinite compared to his
current situation. The entire home will be wired to be controlled via iPad including opening and closing the front door. The
elevator is also key for Schlitz as he will be able to navigate the whole home with ease including doing his laundry.
When Mike isn't at home he can be found traveling all over the world mentoring young servicemen and wounded veterans and
participating in speaking engagements. Schlitz is a passionate Gary Sinise Foundation Ambassdor and Special Advisor to the
Board of Directors with GallantFew. He has spoken on behalf of many military organizations, non-profits, large corporations,
and has spoken at the White House twice with the Veterans Administration. As far as plans for the future Schlitz says, "It is my
goal to continue to speak for and to the troops for motivation and benefits
US Army SFC (Ret.) Michael Schlitz:
Under Construction
Age: 37
Location: Columbus, GA
Caregiver: Robbi Schlitz, mother, 58
Hobbies: Seeking adventure at every turn- skydiving
and participating in Red Bull's Washington, D.C.
"Flugtag" competition, acting as a military mentor,
and inspiring the military community via various
speaking engagements including the upcoming
Ranger Graduation Ceremony
Favorite Home Feature: Gaining back his
independence through the Smart Technology that
allows him to control everything (including the front
door) from anywhere in the house. This is
particularly exciting for him as he knows how much
freedom it will also give his mother, Robbi, to focus
on her favorite hobbies; crafting and sewing.

21. “I can't wait to go home because of my
community. If I need help or need to
give my mom [Robbi, my caregiver] a
break, I can have 200 people at my
house in an hour.
It's a wonderful thing”- Mike Schlitz

22. We believe that these heroes should feel the support and
encouragement of their communities. At the Gary Sinise Foundation
we work to incorporate local businesses and residents into all of our
Smart Home projects. From helping to complete cleanup and
construction projects, fundraising, and participation in dedication
ceremonies we strive to make a local impact with each and every
project.
Very simply, if every neighborhood in every community in every town
and city in every state would make it a priority to seek out, identify,
serve and honor the needs of the veterans and military families
within those communities, we will have the problem solved."- Gary
Sinise

24. Our Commitment
As the needs of the veterans community continues to
evolve, the Gary Sinise Foundation is committed to tailoring
the support and services that we provide to fulfill the ever-
changing set of needs that our heroes and their families face
on a daily basis. We don’t plan to just fulfill needs, we plan
to identify them through events like our Closing the Gap
Summit we co-hosted with the USC School of Social Work
and to find a solution to the problems our heroes are
struggling with.
Through our exciting military support concerts with the LT
Dan Band, Invincible Spirit Festivals at military hospitals
nationwide, and our Veteran’s Nights, we are committed to
lifting the spirits of our heroes globally.
The Gary Sinise Foundation is motivated by founder Gary
Sinise's 30+ year commitment to supporting our veterans.
We plan to continue to modify and build custom Smart
Homes for our most severely wounded veterans and help
them regain their independence.

25. Strategic Partner and Corporate and Charitable Partner
Provides project management for R.I.S.E.
Charitable Partner

26. There's something about us saying to some
young guy whose given three limbs, or four
limbs that we care about you, we appreciate
what you've gone through for us. We all benefit
from the freedom that you provide by serving
our country and let us do something for you.
That's the least we can do.”
-Gary Sinise