In a phone interview, Gary Sinise said, “I have a great memory of being there when I made the movie; it was certainly a life-changing film for me. Beaufort has a special place in my heart.”
He said he is glad he can come to Beaufort and help The Independence Fund. “It’s the way I can give back.”
The actor and musician said he is looking forward to playing with the 12 other members of the Lt. Dan Band in Waterfront Park, and he is hoping for a sold out crowd.
“I’ll be making sure everyone there has a good time,” said Sinise.
The Lt. Dan Band concert will be Saturday, Sept. 15, starting at 7 p.m. with opening performances by Bounty Hunter, a Beaufort band with a large local following, and Nashville recording artist Berry Michael. Gary Sinise and his Lt Dan Band will begin at 8:30. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Famous fishing pros to appear at LDW3 event
In support of severely injured veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Independence Fund will host a Lt. Dan Weekend 3 silent auction and banquet at the Holiday Inn, 2225 Boundary Street on Wednesday, September 12 at 6 p.m.
Fishing legends O’Neill Williams and Flip Pallot, along with Sgt. Maj. Jesse Acosta, U.S. Army, (Ret.) will be speakers and guests of honor. Acosta was blinded in injuries sustained January 16, 2006, during a mortar attack at Logistical Support Area Anaconda in Balad, Iraq. One-hundred other severely wounded veterans and their caregivers will also be special guests at this event.
Williams will film a segment of his popular TV show, O’Neill Outside, earlier that day on the beautiful saltwater flats of the Broad River. He will talk about his experience pursuing redfish, sea trout and flounder in local waters. Acosta will accompany Williams on the shoot and will talk that evening about his day of “sight-casting” for redfish as well as his amazing adjustment to significant, life-altering injuries.
Williams said the focus of his show is to expose worthy people and purposes, and that’s why he is looking forward to shooting the segment with Acosta.
“It will be a special occasion with this veteran. It’s going to be an adventure for me to coach him; I will be his eyes,” Williams said when they embark on sight fishing.
Pallot will speak about his world-wide television adventures while shooting Ford’s Fishing Frontiers and the award-winning series, the Walkers’ Cay Chronicles. He has also donated a fishing trip to the silent auction.
“This will be a rare opportunity to spend time with and learn from two of fishing’s greatest pros,” David Cargile, LDW3 Fishing Chairman said.
“It is also a unique opportunity to show support for our veterans who have given so much for our freedoms in the war on terrorism, and we have some terrific items to auction, including a fishing trip with Flip Pallot on the Broad River September 14, fishing equipment from TFO and Powell Rods, golf rounds and golf equipment, items signed and donated by Jimmy Buffet, custom jewelry and original artwork by area artists” he said.
Tickets may be purchased for $75 at www.LDW3.com. An additional $25 donation will help fund dinner for a veteran or caregiver. Businesses who wish to donate an item to auction may do so by visiting the website.
LDW3 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
• Thursday, Sept. 13: Fly Casting Clinic at Palm Key Nature Resort, 12 p.m.
Flip Pallot will conduct a fly casting clinic for the public. The cost is $100 and space is limited. Also at noon, O’Neill Williams will conduct bass/redfish fishing clinics. Other activities include a fly tying seminar for the vets and a limited number of public participants led by John Holbrook and members of the Sea Island Fly Fishers Club. Participants will learn to tie a variation of the Bay Street Bunny. The variation, conceived by Tony Royal, will have purple eyes to signify the Purple Heart, a green body signifying the renewal of our troops and a pink tail signifying the love our nation feels for our valiant men and women in arms.
• Friday, Sept. 14: 3rd Annual Lt Dan Golf Classic (Scramble) at Cat Island, 9:30 a.m.
3rd Annual Lt Dan Golf Classic (Scramble) begins with check-in and late registration (subject to availability) at 9:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Green fees, cart, on-course water, lunch and prizes are included. There will be three flights and prizes for the top two foursomes in each flight. All par threes will be closest to the pin prize opportunities; there will be a putting contest and a longest drive prize for men and women as well. For more information visit www.ldw4.com or contact Robert deTreville at redetreville@sprintmail.com
• Friday, Sept. 14: Vetpalooza Military Tribute Concert, at Waterfront Park, Beaufort, 7 p.m.
A family friendly “Vetpalooza” concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Waterfront Park. It will feature performances by Lt Col Mike Corrado, USMC, and his band “Machine Gun” from Wilmington, N.C., Iraq veteran and double amputee Dale Beatty and Outlaw 21. 82nd Airborne Division veteran Rockie Lynn and his band will headline the show. Rockie Lynne has appeared nationally on “Good Morning America,” The Grand Ole Opry “Live” and Fox News. Admission is $10 and free for active duty military and their families.
• Saturday, Sept. 15: Independence Ride and 5K Run at MCAS, 8 a.m.
Cycling is one of the best vehicles for breaking down the barriers between the able-bodied and disabled communities. For the veterans, many of whom have not been physically challenged since their injuries, the competition brings back memories and the sense of accomplishment from their days of doing 25-mile hikes. Their participation, in spite of their challenges, shows that they can still do it. Riding alongside able-bodied participants further empowers them and the experience is life changing for all. Onsite registration opens at 8 a.m. at MCAS, Beaufort. Cost is $25 for active duty military and $30 for others.
