A touchdown-worthy day! Our families of fallen heroes got the VIP treatment at Kansas State's Military Appreciation Game against Washington State and connected with others who understand their loss. Thank you, @KState #FallenHeroes

Hear ye, hear ye! A royal adventure was had by all! 🏰⚔️ Our families of fallen heroes traveled back centuries to Medieval Times for knights and jousts. But the real magic lay in the laughter and new friendships with other families who have lost a hero, too. 💙👑 #FallenHeroes

“That’s how I knew I was alive. Nancy brought me back.” 🇺🇸🎙️ After being wounded in a firefight in Vietnam, U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Rich Coachys woke in a hospital with a familiar song playing in his mind: Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” When he woke again, he discovered Nancy herself at his bedside after performing in the hospital courtyard for wounded service members. On this week’s episode of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast, Rich shares this unforgettable story of his recovery, an unexpected visit from a music legend, and a moment of humor amid the hardships of war. Listen now to hear Rich Coachys reflect on his service and the experiences that stayed with him long after Vietnam. Watch the full episode at gsf.us/gsfpodcast or wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.💙

Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Navy! For 251 years, brave Americans have answered the call and defended our freedom on the seas. To everyone who stood a watch on the sea, under it, or above it, thank you. Fair winds and following seas. #NavyBirthday #USNavy

Calling all heroes! 🚒🚓🚑 We’re collecting first responder patches from across the country, and we need your help! In the first responder community, patches are more than just a part of the uniform. They represent service, pride, and the special bond shared by those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. Trading patches is a long-standing tradition that connects first responders across departments and communities. This December, the Gary Sinise Foundation is bringing families of fallen first responders to Walt Disney World for our annual Disney in December event, and we need your help making it extra special! Throughout the event, over 700 children will have the opportunity to collect and trade patches from departments across the country. Each patch is a reminder of the incredible community standing behind them and honoring their loved one's service and sacrifice. 💙 Want to send a patch? Please make sure it arrives by Friday, November 13, at: Gary Sinise Foundation Attn: National Outreach Team PO Box 680819 Franklin, TN 37068 Help us remind them that they will always be part of the first responder family! 🇺🇸

“It felt like I got hit with a sledgehammer.” During a fierce firefight in Vietnam, U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Rich Coachys was struck by enemy fire and knocked to the ground. As he lay wounded and exposed, the bullets kept coming. On the next episode of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast, Rich takes us back to that terrifying moment and reflects on the courage, sacrifice, and responsibility of leading young soldiers into combat. Tune in next week to hear his story. Catch up on recent episodes in the meantime at gsf.us/gsfpodcast 🇺🇸🎙️

What happens when you bring 48 wounded veterans and first responders together in Music City for a week dedicated entirely to them? 🇺🇸🎵 At our 2nd Annual Nashville Salutes Heroes, it meant new friendships, unforgettable surprises, plenty of music, and a community brought together by a shared bond of service and sacrifice. These men and women have given so much in service to our nation and our communities. For one special week, it was our privilege to celebrate them. Come inside Nashville Salutes Heroes and experience the week with us. Watch now: gsf.us/4ATJc3p

“I actually started giggling, and I was like, ‘Oh, please don’t make me laugh.’” Even in the moments immediately following the explosion that nearly took her life, U.S. Army Sergeant (Ret.) Mary Dague remembers finding a reason to laugh. On this week’s episode of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast, Mary shares her story with remarkable candor and humor - from the battlefield in Iraq and the injuries that changed her life to the long road of recovery that followed. Hear Mary’s powerful story of service, resilience, and finding light even in the darkest moments. Listen to the latest episode now at gsf.us/gsfpodcast or wherever you stream you favorite podcasts. 🇺🇸🎙️

It was a milestone weekend for Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band! 🎸🇺🇸 The Band hit the road for an incredible trip through the Northeast, making stops in New Hampshire, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York, Vermont, and finally Rhode Island - officially marking the 50th state Gary and the band have visited! From coast to coast, the mission remains the same: bringing Honor, Gratitude & Rock n Roll to our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families. 50 states. One incredible mission. 🇺🇸

“My body shielded the guys behind me.” On November 4, 2007, U.S. Army Sergeant (Ret.) Mary Dague was severely wounded by an explosion while serving in Iraq. In an instant, the blast changed her life - but even as she recounts that moment, Mary remembers how her body protected the soldiers behind her. On the next episode of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast, Mary shares her powerful story of service, survival, and the moments that forever changed her life. Tune in next week to hear Mary’s story. In the meantime, catch up on recent episodes and subscribe at gsf.us/gsfpodcast 🎙️🇺🇸

Earlier this month, we asked you to share your memories of September 11, 2001. We read every story that came in, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped us preserve the memory of that day. Robert was traveling to Fort Dix when the second plane struck the World Trade Center. He turned around at the gate to deploy to Liberty State Park and just days later, he was at Ground Zero, assisting with rescue and recovery efforts. Twenty-five years later, what he saw, the people he met, and the moments he experienced remain with him. Today, we’re honored to share Robert’s story with you. Read his firsthand account at gsf.us/robert-9-11.

Last month, we gathered with Families of Fallen Heroes in Seattle for an unforgettable day on the water! 🐋💙 Families cruised the Pacific Northwest aboard the FRS Clipper, spotting whales and other wildlife while spending time together and building meaningful connections. The day even included an extra-special surprise when one of our young adults got engaged with the ocean as their backdrop! We’re grateful for opportunities like these to bring families together, create new memories, and strengthen a community that continues to support one another. 🇺🇸

On POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the American service members who endured captivity and those who have never returned home. We remember their courage and sacrifice, stand with the families who continue to wait for answers, and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to ensuring they are never forgotten. Today and always, You Are Not Forgotten. 🇺🇸

“This is your last chance to cooperate with us or we’re going to execute you.” As a prisoner of war in Vietnam, Bob Jeffrey was forced to his knees before a firing squad and given a choice: cooperate with his captors or die. He refused. On the next episode of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast, Bob shares the extraordinary story of his more than seven years in captivity, the moments that tested his resolve, and the strength that carried him through. Tune in and hear the rest of this inspiring story at gsf.us/gsfpodcast

Last month, Gary Sinise Foundation Families of Fallen Heroes came together in Cincinnati for a special community event at a Cincinnati Reds game! ⚾️❤️ From cheering in the stands to simply spending time together, days like these give families the opportunity to reconnect with a community that understands their journey and honors the loved ones they carry with them. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this memorable day possible for our families. 🇺🇸

We are so grateful to have heard from so many of you who have shared your 9/11 stories with us. Today, we invite you to take a moment to read Gary’s own reflections on September 11, 2001, how that day changed him, and why the promise to never forget has shaped so much of the work we continue today. Thank you for helping us carry these memories forward so future generations will always remember. 🇺🇸

Twenty-five years ago today, millions looked on as our nation, and our world, changed forever. Over the past couple of weeks, you have trusted us with your memories of September 11, 2001. We have read every single one, and we are honored to carry your stories forward. Twenty-five years later, our promise remains the same: We will never forget. And we will help future generations always remember. Today, we invite you to add your memory to the thousands already shared with us. Share your 9/11 story at gsf.us/remembering9-11. 🇺🇸

“Boy, freedom. It means so many things.” After spending more than seven years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, Bob Jeffrey came home with an entirely new perspective on his country, his freedom, and the life ahead of him. On the next episode of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast, Bob reflects on the moment his plane finally left the ground, the overwhelming patriotism he carried home, and how his years in captivity shaped the way he chose to live the rest of his life. Tune in next week for Bob Jeffrey’s remarkable story of service, sacrifice, and freedom. In the meantime, visit gsf.us/podcastgsf to catch up on recent episodes and subscribe. 🇺🇸🎙️

We promised to never forget. History books will record what happened on September 11, 2001. But they can’t capture the phone calls, the waiting, the fear, the instinct to help, or the moments that have stayed with Americans for 25 years. An entire generation has no memory of that day. Let’s make sure they understand why we still remember. Share your 9/11 story at gsf.us/remembering9-11. 🇺🇸

September 11, 2001, changed the course of countless American lives. Some enlisted. Some became first responders. Some found new ways to serve their communities and their country. For others, the impact was quieter but just as lasting. Twenty-five years later, the memories of that day still shape who we are and remind us why we promised to never forget. What do you remember about September 11, 2001? Share your memory of that day at gsf.us/remembering9-11 and help preserve it for the next generation. 🇺🇸