We’re in the final hours of 2025 and I just want to say thank you, from all of us at GSF.
It’s been an incredible year. Thanks to you, we’ve helped so many of our nation’s heroes all across the country.
And the outlook for 2026 is very bright, especially with you walking alongside us.
I want to once again thank our incredible match partners, The Jansky Family, Jude Leagjeld, George Joseph, and The Tse Family. For those of you considering making a donation this year, only a few hours remain!
To everyone who has already donated, I am so moved by your outpouring of love, care, and appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country and communities, and for the families who sacrifice right alongside them. I’m a Grateful American for you.
We could not do what we do without you.
God bless you, God bless America, and happy New Year!
You Will Support These Heroes
Every dollar will support those suffering from the invisible wounds of their service, our brave first responders who rush into danger, the families of fallen heroes grieving their lost loved ones, the wounded heroes who suffered catastrophic injuries defending our nation, and many more.
*Donations will be applied to our general fund.
“You built more than walls, you built hope and independence.”
Thanks to your incredible generosity, this past November, the Gary Sinise Foundation was honored to dedicate our 100th mortgage-free, specially adapted, smart home to severely wounded veteran, Joe Bowser. With your support and the hard work of our construction and design partners, we were delighted to dedicate his home on your behalf just in time for the holidays.
Joe is a remarkable patriot who had retired with honors from the Army but was moved to re-enlist after the horrific attacks of 9/11. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004.
“I was deployed with a transportation unit and one night, as I was coming out of a tent, I heard a high-pitched whistle sound behind me. Suddenly I’m lying on my back with an incredible pain in my leg, yelling for help. Out of nowhere, two female medics rushed to my aide. I had my eyes closed because the debris was still falling out of the sky, so I never actually saw them. They had just started rendering aid when we heard the next round coming in. These two medics threw themselves over my body to protect me from the second explosion.”
Joe underwent 14 painful operations to try and save his right leg, until his doctor gave him choice. “He said I could salvage the leg and be in pain the rest of my life, or I could have it amputated.”
After Joe’s amputation, he decided to return to his love for ice hockey by joining a program for veterans injured in the line of duty. More than just a competitive outlet, ice hockey also helps with rehabilitation. “Our biggest injuries are the ones you can't see, like post-traumatic stress or brain injuries. Hockey gives us the chance to be together. The first time I stepped on the ice after being wounded was the greatest feeling ever. I felt like I was normal again."
“This isn’t just a house. It’s freedom.”
Today, Joe and his wife, Michele, enjoy spending time with their large family which now includes 10 grandchildren. Their custom-designed home is a welcoming place where everyone can relax and enjoy the pleasure of just being together. At the home dedication, Joe became emotional as he thanked everyone for making it possible, saying “This isn’t just a house. It’s freedom.”
For those navigating loss, the holidays can be so hard.
For our families of fallen military and first responder heroes, this is the time of year when their loss is often felt most deeply. It is our mission to remind them they are never alone and that their hero never truly leaves them.
This month, we brought 2,700+ children and their surviving parent/guardian together for our annual event at Walt Disney World®.
Every smile, each laugh that fills the air, brings me joy. I see our mission bloom in the faces of children finding connection with others who understand their unique struggles. I see the strength of surviving spouses bolstered by a community that will stand with them for years to come.
There are so many moments of joy and hope, balanced by moments of quiet remembrance. One place in particular is our Remembrance Garden, where every fallen hero is represented by an American flag and a placard displaying their name and service history.
In this peaceful place, our families can pay tribute to their fallen hero. And I see just how much this mission heals.
Thanks to your support, we show these families the love and appreciation of a grateful nation. Together, we remind them that no one can ever leave us, as long as we remember.
God bless you.
Thank You To Our Match Partners
The Jansky Family
"Those who serve our country carry the weight of that service long after the uniform comes off. Supporting the Gary Sinise Foundation is our way of standing beside our nation’s defenders and their families - not just with words, but with action. Gary’s commitment to serving the heroes and families who have sacrificed so much is truly inspiring, and we are honored to play a part in helping carry his Foundation’s mission forward."
Jude Leagjeld
“The more I learn about the Gary Sinise Foundation, the more I appreciate all the work they do to honor our service members and first responders. Gary's efforts come straight from his heart. Those of us who are grateful to those who serve America are lucky to have him!”
George Joseph
“Thank you to all who contributed to the match offers on Giving Tuesday. Thanks to you, it was a record setting day that will provide so many benefits to those servicemen and women and first responders who protect us every day. I am offering another match at the end of this year to extend even further the Gary Sinise Foundation’s ability to serve those in need as thanks for the services they have provided all of us. I hope everyone can give one more time this year. It is a great way to thank Gary and honor his son, Mac, for all that they have done to help our heroes in need. Your gifts are so important to the patriots who have sacrificed so much for us.”
The Tse Family Foundation
“We want to thank our first responders and our military for all that they do for us, and we wish them a wonderful holiday season.”
For Mail-in Donations:
Gary Sinise Foundation
P.O. Box 1858
Merrifield, VA 22116-9641
Please include "2025 YEAR END" in the check memo
Gary Sinise Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity.
Federal tax ID #80-0587086.
All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.