-
May 2, 2008 6:32 pm US/Central
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
CSI: NY Star Surprises Volunteers Helping Troops
LISLE, Ill. (CBS) ―
CSI: New York star Gary Sinise is on a mission. The Chicago-native is back at home to help the troops serving in Iraq.
CBS 2 West Suburban Bureau Chief Mike Puccinelli reports Sinise, the star of one of the most-watched television shows in the world, surprised volunteers of Operation Support Out Troops at a Lisle warehouse Friday.
"Never take for granted that those gestures that you make by sending these supplies to them mean a whole lot and it can brighten their day and change their lives over there," Sinise said.
And that's the goal of the 300 member volunteer based organization – to change the lives of soldiers, one care package at a time.
The packages are sent overseas to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Josie Martinez's son is in the Army and is an Iraq War veteran. She says the packages boost the morale of America's fighting men and women.
It means a lot to them," Martinez said. "It gives them the desire to just continue and do what they're doing their mission that they have."
Since Operation Support Our Troops started back in 2003 the group has sent out more than 16,000 25-pound boxes.
Each week 230 more boxes are sent out.
Sinise has traveled to Iraq to perform for the troops with his Lieutenant Dan Band, so he's seen how much the care packages are appreciated by the troops.
"Just knowing that America cares and that America is not forgetting them is going to get them through the day and get them home safely," Sinise said.
Sinise is also trying to get out the word about his big summer concert – Rockin' For the Troops, with his Lieutenant Dan Band.
(CBS 2, the Naperville Sun and the Aurora Beacon-News are news partners covering stories in the western suburbs. Send story tips to tips@cbs2chicago.com. (© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Get More From cbs2chicago.com