Every year you show up in such a big way.
You made this our biggest Giving Tuesday ever. And I want you to know, your gift isn’t just a donation. It’s a message of gratitude, compassion, remembrance and love for the men and women who serve our country, our first responders, our veterans, and the families of our fallen heroes.
I’d like to send a big shoutout to our incredible match donors—George Joseph, Paul Skenes, Whataburger, and the Tse Family. They inspired thousands to join in, and their matching gifts will ensure we will continue to uplift even more heroes and their families.
When you choose to stand with the Gary Sinise Foundation, you choose to support America’s defenders in their time of need. Whether it’s a wounded hero struggling to navigate their new normal, a family of the fallen searching for hope, or a first responder facing danger every day to keep our communities safe. They ask very little, and your gesture of appreciation through your support of GSF reminds them there is a grateful nation standing behind them.
From my heart to yours, thank you for being part of this mission. I am forever humbled by your kindness, trust, and belief in this important work.
With my deepest appreciation,
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.
Thanks to You, I Found My Voice
By Rah Freestone, Spouse of a Fallen Hero
SGT Milton Gist could command a room just by walking into it. At six feet four, he was hard to miss. And when he spoke, people listened. Growing up on the streets of St. Louis gave him no shortage of stories to tell. My favorite was always how we met. The way he told it, I was an angel—when I entered the room, the light from the open door behind me followed me wherever I went and he couldn’t look away. In what felt like the blink of an eye, we married and welcomed a daughter into the world. When she was just a few months old, he enlisted in the Army.
It was his lifelong dream.
Before he left for his second deployment, we were blessed with twenty precious days together as a family. Our second child was barely a year old. Milton taught our daughter to ride a bike and gave our son his first haircut. He then deployed to Iraq.
But living his dream came at the ultimate cost.
In the years that followed, I learned how complicated grief can be. It left me questioning everything I thought I knew about love, loyalty, and sacrifice. It’s a painful truth, one that felt impossible to speak aloud.
So, I stayed silent.
I accepted the folded flag, smiled through ceremonies, raised our children to remember a devoted father, and tried to be the picture of strength.
In 2024, after my children were grown and I had remarried, life was stable, but something was still missing. When I finally prayed for direction, the answer was clear: “Speak.”
Not long after, I received an email from the Gary Sinise Foundation about a storytelling workshop. It felt like a divine invitation.
In two days, I made more progress speaking my truth than I had in two years of graduate school. The experience was the emotional lifeline I didn’t know I needed—one that helped me not only reclaim my voice but reconnect with my purpose.
Thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation—and the donors who make its mission possible—I can share my story, not from a place of silence, but from one of strength, healing, and gratitude.
This Giving Tuesday, I give thanks for the emotional lifelines your generosity provides. Because of you, survivors like me can find our voices again—and with them, speak hope.
A Special Thank You To Our Match Partners
George Joseph
"Over 20 years ago, Gary gave up his acting career, nearly all of his time, and a lot of his money to devote the rest of his life to helping others. He took care of his ailing father to his ailing son in ways that nearly no American man would ever do. He and his Lt. Dan Band have entertained hundreds of thousands of military personnel all over the world through over 600 concerts to date. He has built 100 houses for disabled vets and first responders that help them overcome their disabilities at home. He has remodeled many more for the same reason. The cost to these vets and first responders? Not a penny. He has sent hundreds of families who lost loved ones to Disney World at Christmas time year after year for much needed joy and healing. His generosity with his time goes all the way down to slinging beans at lunches for countless men and women in uniform. The list of his giving goes on and on. Most touching to me is what is not publicized – Gary’s many private trips to military hospitals where he makes individual bedside visits to injured vets, some on their death beds, during which he provides kind words, hope and consolation.
To me, all this and so much more makes Gary a combination of Bob Hope and Mother Theresa in one human being. There is simply no end to him…There is no one like him. He is MY hero. I give again and again to GSF to show my gratitude for the extraordinary, endless selflessness that is…Gary Sinise."
Paul Skenes
“I am once again teaming up with the Gary Sinise Foundation this Giving Tuesday to support our nation’s defenders and their families. The partnership with GSF over the last two years has been beyond rewarding and humbling. This year, I have been able to lean further into GSF programs and platforms that have given me the opportunity to meet some incredible military members, first responders, and their families. I stand with Gary when he says that we can never do enough for these men and women who sacrifice so much to serve our communities and defend our freedom. This day is all about stepping up however we’re able, and it’s the perfect moment to honor and uplift the heroes who serve our country.”
Whataburger
This partnership reflects Whataburger’s Goodness 24/7 philosophy - our commitment to being a force for good in everything we do, from serving our guests to serving our communities. As Whataburger’s footprint continues to grow, so does our investment in the local communities we’re proud to call home. Teaming up with the Gary Sinise Foundation allows us to bring that value to life on a larger scale, supporting those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others. Together, we’re honoring their service, uplifting their families, and helping ensure they feel appreciated and cared for every single day.
“As Whataburger continues to grow, so does our commitment to the communities we call home. When Texas faced devastating floods, we saw our neighbors rally together - and that same spirit of service inspires us every day. Through our partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, we’re proud to support the first responders and service members who embody that spirit and give so much to all of us.”
The Tse Family
This Giving Tuesday, the K & J Tse Family have graciously stepped up to match every dollar up to $500,000! On behalf of everyone at Gary Sinise Foundation, thank you for your incredible generosity. We salute you.
"Gary says it all by encouraging us to 'do a little bit more.' We ask you all to consider doing just that!"
-The Tse Family
For Mail-in Donations:
Gary Sinise Foundation
P.O. Box 1858
Merrifield, VA 22116-9641
Please include "GIVING TUESDAY" 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.