“Gary Sinise, the actor famous for portraying Lieutenant Dan in the movie ‘Forrest Gump,’ is celebrating 25 years advocating for the non-profit organization Disabled American Veterans (DAV) this week.”

“Sinise began advocating on behalf of veterans after receiving an award from DAV commending him for his performance as Lieutenant Dan, a wheelchair bound veteran who struggles with alcoholism and mental illness after coming home from Vietnam, according to a press release by the Gary Sinise Foundation.”

“‘Your superb performance brought awareness of the lifelong sacrifice of disabled veterans back into public consciousness in a remarkable positive way,’ read the award.”

“The press release also notes that since receiving the award, Sinise has supported the DAV in a variety of capacities, including as the spokesperson when the organization was advocating to construct the Americans Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in the nation’s capital. ‘The memorial honors veterans of the armed forces of the United States who were permanently disabled during the course of their national service,’ the release continues.”

Read more at The Daily Wire.