Lt Dan Band rocks Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As he thumbs his bass guitar and bobs his head along to a jazzy rendition of "Beyond the Sea," actor Gary Sinise, more famously known for his performance as Army Lieutenant Dan Taylor in "Forrest Gump," enthusiastically provides accompaniment to the Lt. Dan Band while playing at the Ellsworth Base Theater Feb. 1.

The band's performances cover popular songs from various genres of music.

"We might be playing Stevie Wonder one minute, and Beyonce the next," said Mr. Sinise with a laugh.

Despite the band's popularity, they continue to function primarily as a charity band, providing free concerts for troops through the United Services Organization (USO) and various corporate charities.

Though the Lt. Dan Band began as an impromptu jam session between friends, the band quickly began performing for the USO in 2002, and became a means of showing the band members' appreciation for servicemembers and all the sacrifices they make daily, particularly during wartime.

The band was formed by Mr. Sinise and lead guitarist Kimo Williams, after Mr. Williams, a musical composer, discovered that Mr. Sinise could play bass, said Mr. Sinise.

"I actually played in bands before acting, said Mr. Sinise. "I had my first guitar in fourth grade and played in bands until my twenties. I was acting and playing at the same time."
However, after the formation of Sinise's Steppenwolf Theater Company in Chicago in 1975, Sinise's acting career took off, and forced him to temporarily place his musical talents aside.

It was Williams' request to have a jam session with Mr. Sinise that led to the formation of the Lt. Dan Band. Mr. Sinise and Mr. Williams enjoyed their musical sessions so much, they decided to form a cover band in 1997.

The band was named Lt. Dan Band due to the fact that fans recognize Mr. Sinise more for his character in "Forrest Gump" than for his other acting credits. After the band began performing for the USO in 2002, the band's popularity swelled.

Mr. Sinise's decision to play for troops was influenced by his previous role volunteering with Vietnam veterans. Mr. Sinise began working with veterans ten years before his famous role in "Forrest Gump."

In fact, his interest in Vietnam veterans began with his own family. Two of his wife's uncles are Vietnam veterans, whose sacrifices were largely ignored upon their return home from the war.

Mr. Sinise's close relationship with these veterans inspired him to volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans and spurred his interest in having the Lt. Dan Band perform for troops fighting in Afghanistan after Sept.11.

"I wanted the troops to know that they're our heroes, that we're lucky to have them, and that they will never be forgotten," said Mr. Sinise.

The band has since performed for troops overseas, including everywhere from the United Kingdom to Singapore, as well as stateside performances including Ellsworth.
The Lt. Dan Band's decision to perform for the first time at Ellsworth was met with great enthusiasm by the entire base.

"I think everyone's really excited for him to be here," said Airman 1st Class Carrie Lane, 28th Bomb Wing Safety representative, who aided in escorting Mr. Sinise on base.

"We have a lot of people who do a lot of great things here so when someone like this [Sinise] comes here it means a lot," said Airman Lane. "It's really great what he's doing."
Despite the accolades and attention Mr. Sinise receives from performing for the troops, his intention is not to earn money for his performances.

"I make enough money as an actor," said Mr. Sinise. "I do it because it's a good feeling when you perform for the troops. Each performance is a reminder of how important it is for them [the troops] to realize that they aren't forgotten."

The Lt. Dan Band's evolution from a jam session in Chicago, to performing for the USO allows Mr. Sinise and his bandmates to do more than just provide entertainment for troops and their families. 

The great distances the band travels to perform for the USO without commercial gain is intended to illustrate to troops that they are appreciated, and certainly not forgotten. And based on the audience's response to the band, it speaks volumes louder than a bumper sticker, or a quick handshake on the side.