JBSA-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Service members of all branches, their families and Brooke Army Medical Center staff came together for an afternoon of fun June 5 for the BAMC Patient, Staff and Family Appreciation event held in the San Antonio Military Medical Center parking lot.
The event also incorporated BAMC's organizational day with the culmination of the Commander's Cup Tournament. The weeklong competition pitted teams comprised of service members and civilians, playing basketball, volleyball, soccer, a military fitness course and guidon relay race. Deputy Commander Col. Douglas Soderdahl's team took home the Commander's Cup trophy.
The Gary Sinise Foundation sponsored the event which provided free food for more than 7,500 people, live music from the Lt. Dan Band and many family-friendly activities including bouncy houses, face painting, and a rock climbing tower.
The Robert Irvine Foundation partnered with Sinise to cook thousands of hamburgers, brats, chicken and a multitude of side dishes.
Sinise, the leader of the Lt. Dan Band, named for the character he played in the movie "Forrest Gump," is an avid supporter of the military. He started his foundation to bring entertainment to service members, wounded warriors and their families, according to celebrity chef Robert Irvine.
Irvine said Sinise's passion for serving the military stems from his good heart. Irvine spoke highly of the giving nature of his friend, saying "Gary's passion is infectious."
The Gary Sinise Foundation was created with the mission of recognizing and giving back to service members, veterans, first responders and their families. The foundation, and the Lt. Dan Band, sponsor, organize and perform at various events throughout the year with that goal in mind.
"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," Sinise said. "While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation's defenders, we can always do a little more."
Prior to the event Sinise and Irvine visited with patients in the hospital and met with several wounded service members and their families.
"I think it's great that Gary Sinise can take the time to give back like this," said Reggie Lipford, an Army family member who was at the concert. "He's the man!"
"For us, this event means that we get to see all the support from the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program as well as the Lt. Dan Band," said Army Capt. Troy Dilmar, a physician at SAMMC. "It's a huge morale booster for the patients and us. It really makes it feel like what we do matters."
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