Sinise, Lt. Dan Band salute Air Commandos

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michelle Vickers
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.-- --  Actor Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band visited Hurlburt Field, Fla., Feb. 9 to put on a free concert for Airmen and their families at the Freedom Hangar.

The Lt. Dan Band has been touring military installations around the world, often as part of United Service Organization tours since 2004.

"I'm so honored to be able to support the men and women in uniform," Sinise said to concert-goers after the performance.

The band's name comes from Sinise's Lieutenant Dan character from the 1994 film Forrest Gump. The band played a variety of music including classic rock, country and current hits by artists like Adele and Zac Brown Band.

Sinise also took time out before the concert to tour different Hurlburt Field units. One of his first stops was the guard mount- a shift change formation- at the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron. One fan in particular was eager to meet Sinise. Matthew Santiago, an installation entry controller with 1st SOSFS, missed out on receiving an autograph 10 years ago but finally got his chance during Sinise's visit.

"Back in 2003, I was in basic training at Fort Benning, Ga.," Santiago said to Sinise. "My brother lived in Germany and you visited Darmstadt where you signed, 'To Matt, hang in there, Lt. Dan.' He put it in the mail to send to [me] and it got lost 10 years ago."

In addition to visiting 1st SOSFS, Sinise made stops at the base honor guard, 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron fabrication shop and one of the installation's fire stations. At the air traffic control tower, Sinise saw the complex work of controllers navigating multiple aircraft through the take-off process.

Besides learning about the mission of Hurlburt Field, Sinise spent time just getting to know the Airmen who make the base run. He ate breakfast at the Reef Dining Facility and enjoyed a game of bowling at Hurlburt Lanes.

"It has made such an impression on me spending all this time in our military community and meeting the people who serve our country," Sinise said. "I try to do what I can to let them know that the freedom they provided is not taken for granted."