WASHINGTON, December 05, 2013 (NNS) – Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band performed a free United Service Organization (USO) concert for the Washington Navy Yard and Washington, D.C. Navy community at Constitution Hall, December 3.
Before the Lt. Dan Band performance, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus thanked USO and Sinise for making the concert happen.
“We appreciate the support from the USO and Gary Sinise during this time of recovery, said Mabus. “Our Navy continues to grieve and heal, but in recovering from this tragedy, every day that goes by, our Navy team is stronger.”
Sinise, who has strong ties to the military (his father and uncle were in the Navy during World War II), and the Lt. Dan Band have been in support of military cooperation with the USO since 2003. Sinise said he has a passionate love for the country and that it feels great to know that this is something he can do to support the military.
“It’s very important that you understand that you’re appreciated for the freedom that you provide. We don’t take what you do for granted. We go through tough times and we will be there for you,” said Sinise.
The Lt. Dan Band, put on a two-hour family friendly performance to boost morale and strengthen the bonds of community among the Washington Navy Yard employees and families, who were affected by the tragic events of Sept. 16.
Among those Washington Navy Yard employees that enjoyed the concert was Ben Wojtasik with Naval District Washington Strategy and Future Requirements.
“I had a great time at the concert, said Wojtasik. “Gary and the band were great – I couldn’t tell who had more fun, the audience or the performers! Gary said his mission was to make sure everyone left a little bit happier than when they arrived. Judging by the reaction of those in the crowd, he absolutely delivered.”
The band played various genres of music as about 2,000 service members, DoD personnel, civilians and their families sang along and danced to the music.
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization that provides morale and recreational services to members of the U.S. military.
To see photos of the concert, visit NDW’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/navdistwash.
For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/ndw/.