Actor Gary Sinise Raises Money In OKC For Real Life Lt. Dan

As Lieutenant Dan, Gary Sinise experienced a bit what it's like to be a war amputee in the movie Forest Gump. These days, Sinise is lending his star power to help real-life wounded warriors, including one here in Oklahoma City.

Tuesday, March 11th 2014, 5:09 pm



As Lieutenant Dan, Gary Sinise experienced a bit what it's like to be a war amputee in the movie Forest Gump. These days, Sinise is lending his star power to help real-life wounded warriors, including one here in Oklahoma City.

On Tuesday, US Army SSG Rusty Dunagan toured Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research, alongside movie star Gary Sinise. Wednesday, workers will begin the process of fitting SSG Dunagan for prosthetics to replace both legs and part of the arm he lost in Afghanistan in September 2010.

"A soldier behind me stepped on a landmine," Dunagan explained.

It is a story Sinise had heard before. He even met Sgt. Dunagan more than a year ago.

"He's heard a lot about me," recalled Dunagan. "The first thing he said to me was ‘Hey I hear you look like me'."

Sinise has a long association with the military that began 20 years ago with Lt. Dan.

"We have many, many, many real life Lt. Dans out there that need help, and I just became clear that there was a place for me in helping our wounded and our military families," Sinise said on Tuesday.

2/28/2014 Related Story: Edmond Police Chief Played Real Role In 'American Hustle'

Sinise is in Oklahoma City raising money to build a smart house for SSG Dunagan.

"The smart home will have technology that will make my day-to-day chores completely independent," Dunagan said.

But Sinise said it's more than about money.

"That they know they're appreciated, and they're grateful for what they do for us and we're not going to let them fall through the cracks."

And he's not shy about using his star power to let us all know that a real life hero is also among us.

"Proud American, I would serve again if I could," Dunagan said.

Sinise is holding a fundraising dinner Monday night to raise money for Sgt. Dunagan.

For information on how you can help, visit the Gary Sinise Foundation web site.

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