by guest columnist Lisa Pinghera
In celebration of the Year of the Chief, actor Gary Sinise (shown above) was named an honorary chief petty officer during a ceremony held at the United States Navy Memorial on Friday, August 24.
Sinise received the honor from Fleet Master Chief(AW/NAC) Michael D. Stevens on behalf of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy(MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West.
“It is very interesting how things work out and I believe that all things happen for a reason,” said Stevens.
“MCPON was going to honor Mr. Sinise at the ‘Year of the Chief’ kickoff event in April, but unfortunately Mr. Sinise was slightly injured in a car accident here in D.C. and was unable to attend the event.
Thankfully, he was not seriously injured and MCPON is on a trip overseas visiting Sailors, so now I have the opportunity to preside over this event tonight.”
A long-time supporter of all branches of the the military, Sinise’s family is deeply rooted in service to our country.
During the 1950s, his father served in the United States Navy, while two of his uncles served in World War II. In addition, three of his brother-in-laws served during Vietnam, his sister-in-law served for 10 years and his nephew served in the war in Afghanistan.
Sinise has raised millions of dollars for various charities dedicated to helping the military and veterans through the Gary Sinise Foundation, which he started in 2010. He also performs free concerts for service members around the globe with his ‘Lt. Dan Band,’ named after his role in the 1994 Oscar-winning movie “Forrest Gump.”
Stevens presented Sinise with the honorary chief petty officer certificate signed by MCPON. His daughter, Ella, pinned the chief’s anchor on his lapel. A large crowd of chief petty officers, chief petty officer selectees, Sailors, families and the general public were in attendance.
“What a humbling day it is for me to receive this. I’m truly touched by it. I don’t take it for granted, and I don’t take it lightly,” said Sinise. “I’m always amazed and humbled at the skill and dedication of the men and women who serve in our Navy… God bless you all for doing what you do in defense of our freedom all around the world,” said Sinise.
For more information on the Year of the Chief, visit www.navymemorial.org.
