Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band returns to Cantigny to support West Suburban Foundation for Disabled Veterans
That penetrating stare Gary Sinise displayed in films such as “Forrest Gump,” “The Green Mile” and “Apollo 13” is no act.
Michelle Senatore, president and co-founder of the West Suburban Foundation for Disabled Veterans, has seen it face-to-face.
The Wheaton resident has had multiple conversations with Sinise regarding his Lt. Dan Band and the Gary Sinise Foundation, which in 15 years has raised more than $600 million to support military members, veterans, first responders, their families and others in need.
“When he’s with you, he’s really with you,” Senatore said of Sinise, who has willingly put his stellar acting career — forged at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre — on the back burner in favor of philanthropy and music.
Nearly all of his band’s 2026 appearances will be at military bases or hospitals. But on July 11, Sinise is making an exception.
In his 12th performance at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, the 13-piece band will headline the WSFDV’s July 11 “Rockin’ for Our Vets America 250 Concert,” with support from country artist HunterGirl, special guests, presentations and food vendors.
Also, Cantigny’s First Division Museum will be open from when the gates open at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
It’s Sinise’s second straight year performing at Cantigny after a decade-long break. From 2006 to 2015, Sinise and his band played benefit concerts there nearly annually.
“I remember back in 2006 when I started going there,” said the Nashville-based Sinise, who has received dozens of honors as an entertainer and for meritorious service.
“I was eager to go because I actually went to high school at Glenbard West when I was a freshman,” he said. “So I have fond memories of being there, and when I was invited to come and support the cause there and bring my band, I really wanted to do it just to go back.
“After I came back last year, I just thought, ‘Hey, this will be wonderful to do again and to support Michelle and the good work that they’re doing there.’”
Terming it “a variety show” for all ages — “little kids and older veterans and everybody in between,” he said — the Lt. Dan Band, with Sinise on vocals and bass, plays hit after hit from the rock ’n’ roll, pop and soul songbooks, typically concluding with a patriotic tune.
Adding poignancy, Sinise said he’ll also play three songs written by his late son, Mac Sinise, who died in 2024 after a five-year battle with cancer.
Focusing on creating two albums of his son’s music he had discovered after his death and writing a book about their relationship, “Graceful Warrior,” due out Nov. 10, has had a therapeutic effect.
“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever faced,” Sinise said. “I feel like I have these projects to focus my energy on for Mac, and it’s really helped me through quite a bit.”
Senatore said Sinise’s concerts are lively and often touching, as he addresses his personal life as well as issues concerning veterans and first responders.
“His heart is just so huge for this community,” she said.
“The participation from the audience to the musicians and Gary is so fun to watch. So many smiles everywhere,” she said.
“It’s just a great day to be together, to celebrate each other, enjoy each other and enjoy excellent music.”
Rockin’ for Our Vets America 250 Concert
When: Saturday, July 11. Doors open at 2 p.m., preshow at 5 p.m., HunterGirl at 6 p.m., Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band at 7 p.m.
Where: Cantigny Park, 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: $52.16 per ticket. No tickets may be purchased on site. “Treat Vet” ticket and sponsorship opportunities may be available.
Parking: DuPage County complex parking garages, 479 and 509 County Farm Road, Wheaton. Shuttle service runs every 15 minutes between the garages and Cantigny.
For information and tickets: wsfdv.org