The world tends to forget about all the veterans and soldiers who put their lives on the line trying to defend their country. It’s easy to congratulate them after a victory and even easier not to give them enough credit for the hardships they go through. However, one foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, chooses not to overwrite their deeds and help them out after the war days are over. Many will lose their limbs, get fatal injuries, suffer from post-traumatic stress, and in worse situations, die. Gary Sinise, the founder of the charitable organization, dedicates himself fully to ensuring that army veterans, soldiers, and defenders get the care and attention they need after war.
The organization has been in existence for over four decades, aiding out thousands of veterans and their families. It doesn’t seem to slow down any time in the future. Sinise has family members who have served in the military that inspired his organization, but so did his role as Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump.” Sinise said the role changed his life and even led him to found the Lt. Dan Band, which performs for active-duty military overseas. In 2019 one deserving marine, Jonathon Blank, was given a custom-built house from the Gary Sinise Foundation after he lost both of his legs in an IED explosion in 2010. He also suffered trauma to his head and upper body and still suffers from insomnia, migraines and chronic pain. The home is fully accessible and made to serve all of Blank’s needs. Keep reading to learn more about Blank and what this home means to him. Jonathon Blank and his close friend Jonathon Nelson have a true bond that can only come from serving together in the United States Marines. The two veterans became friends after serving together in the same special operations unit while in Afghanistan over ten years ago. Nelson was present during the explosion when Blank lost his legs.
That has not stopped the pair from hiking together, however. One day while driving past Mount Timpanogos in Utah, Nelson decided that he wanted to take Blank with him to the top. “I thought this would be something epic for him to experience, to actually get into the saddle,” Nelson said.
It is not a surprise that the two would want to tackle this journey together. While in combat, the pair shared an abundance of blood, sweat, and tears while serving their country.
