Homepage Hero

As we prepare to welcome the 100th severely wounded hero into their new mortgage-free specially adapted home, we continue honoring the heroes whose stories have shaped the heart of our mission. What started as Gary’s personal efforts and grew into the Gary Sinise Foundation’s home building initiative, we’ve had the privilege of serving those who have sacrificed greatly, restoring not just mobility, but dignity, independence, and family connection.

From the very beginning one of my hopes in creating the Gary Sinise Foundation was to build a rallying point, a place where anyone, whether they had worn the uniform or not, could come together in support of those who have. I wanted to create more than just a nonprofit; I wanted to create a trusted resource for those who believe in honoring our defenders and caring for the families who sacrifice alongside them.  

Over the years it’s been incredibly meaningful to see that vision take shape, not just through the generous support of our donors and partners, but through the people who have chosen to serve as a part of the Foundation itself. Many of our team members are veterans, first responders, or the family members of those who have served. They know this life, they’ve lived it, and they’ve brought that same spirit of service into their work here.  

I’m proud of how far we’ve come, from a small team with a big dream to a Foundation supported by thousands. And I’m especially proud of the teammates who have walked the path of military and first responder service, and who now walk it again through this work.  

Today, I invite you to meet a few of them. While we were unable to include everyone in this first initial post, we look forward to continuing to share their stories with you. 

This fall, the Gary Sinise Foundation will reach a major milestone: our 100th mortgage-free, specially adapted smart home built for a severely wounded hero. This mission began with one home and one promise - with Gary Sinise personally stepping in to support our very first recipient. Since that first home, Gary’s commitment to our nation’s severely wounded defenders has never wavered, inspiring the initiative that would become a cornerstone of the Gary Sinise Foundation. As we begin the countdown to this historic 100th build, we’re honoring the heroes and homes that laid the foundation, beginning with the story that started it all.

For more than a decade, the Gary Sinise Foundation has been committed to serving and uplifting the families of our nation’s fallen military and first responder heroes. Of our varied and life-changing programming, City Adventures stands out as a unique event dedicated to offering a reprieve. Each Adventure is an opportunity for surviving spouses and family members to step away from the weight of their daily lives and participate in unforgettable experiences, all while surrounded by a community that understands their journey. At every turn, City Adventures foster connection, joy, and healing for our families of fallen while honoring the memory of their loved ones.

Shortly after my son Mac's death on January 5th, 2024, I began combing through his files, his Dropbox, his iPad and iPhone. I found letters he’d written to family, thoughts he wanted to get down on paper hoping they would be discovered later. Videos he’d made and kept for us to see should anything happen. Beautiful things that he meant for us to have. I also discovered music that he’d written and tucked away...

In Honor & Memory of
McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise
1990 - 2024