Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will return to EAA AirVenture in 2013 as the grand finale of a daylong salute to veterans at Oshkosh, Wis., on Friday, Aug. 2. Performing for the fourth time at EAA AirVenture since 2008, the popular band will be hosted at by the Disabled American Veterans and the EAA Warbirds of America at the Philips 66 Plaza stage.
Sinise, best known for his role as Vietnam veterans Lt. Dan Taylor in the classic film “Forrest Gump,” and as star of hit TV series CSI: New York, plays bass in The Lt. Dan Band and is a well-known supporter of veterans as well as active-duty military.
“Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band have been hugely popular at Oshkosh every year they’ve been here, so it’s great that they’ll be back in 2013,” said Jim DiMatteo, EAA’s vice president of AirVenture features and attractions. “The music and show by Gary and the band are always outstanding, but we all know that we’re doing this to honor all the veterans and active duty personnel who are here at AirVenture.”
The Lt. Dan Band covers everything from Bruce Springsteen to Beyonce, Zac Brown Band to Jimi Hendrix. Following the band’s first concert in front of thousands at EAA’s Theater in the Woods in 2008, EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans teamed to also sponsor the band’s return in 2010 and 2011.
“The DAV is thrilled to bring our message of volunteerism and support to our nation’s sick and disabled veterans to EAA AirVenture. We believe the men, women and children who will visit this event are the patriotic, military-friendly citizens that have helped make this nation so great,” said DAV National Commander Larry Polzin. “The DAV is proud to be among this crowd, and meet those who want to know more about our service to veterans. Gary Sinise is a longtime advocate for Disabled American Veterans and continues to shine the light on our mission to fulfill our promises to the men and women who served- as a patriotic and family friendly venue, EAA AirVenture is an ideal setting to feature the Lt. Dan Band.”
The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this nation’s disabled veterans.
EAA Warbirds of America is a non-profit organization within EAA that is dedicated to the preservation of former military aircraft known as “warbirds.” Since 1964, EAA Warbirds of America has worked to “Keep ‘em Flying.”
For more information: AirVenture.org