"Brothers After War" in select theaters Feb. 28, powerful storytelling to champion veterans
Belmont recently welcomed Emmy Award-winning actor, philanthropist and veterans’ advocate Gary Sinise, widely known for his role as Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump,” to engage with military-affiliated students and offer an exclusive early viewing of the documentary “Brothers After War.”
Executive produced by Sinise, the film explores the lives of veterans as they navigate the challenges of transitioning out of the military and entering a new fight for personal healing.
Sharing His Mission of Service
In addition to a successful stage, film and television career spanning over four decades, Sinise has dedicated his life to being an advocate on behalf of America’s military service members, working to ensure that our nation’s defenders are never forgotten.
The Gary Sinise Foundation, established in 2011 and now located in Nashville, provides critical support through programs aimed at restoring independence and improving the quality of life for those who serve.
Sinise shared the Gary Sinise Foundation’s mission earlier in the day during a Q&A with Belmont’s Ed Magee at a luncheon event. Luncheon attendees included local veteran service organizations such as Operation Stand Down and Reboot Recovery, campus partners and military-affiliated students along with representatives from the AWC Family Foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation and Belmont’s Veterans Success Team.
“Our mission is simple but profound: honor and serve our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need,” Sinise shared. “I believe storytelling has the power to build bridges of understanding and compassion, especially for those who have sacrificed so much.”
Before viewing the documentary in the Fisher Center, Belmont’s military and veteran students were invited to an exclusive meet and greet with Sinise. After meeting each student, Sinise opened the floor to answer questions about various topics including the documentary, his experience supporting veterans and his portrayal of the iconic role of Lt. Dan.
“The story of Lt. Dan was a well-crafted story,” Sinise reflected. “When you think about it, up to the moment of ‘Forrest Gump’, any Vietnam film that had been made left you wondering. You just didn't know if the Vietnam veteran is going to be okay at the end of those films.”
“It was nice to have a story of a Vietnam veteran who could come home from war and move on with his life. That's the story we want for every single veteran who serves our country. We want them to be okay. That's what we look at in ‘Brothers After War.’”
Highlights from a Day with Gary Sinise
L to R: Chris MacKay, Gary Sinise and Jake Rademacher
"Brothers After War" director Jake Rademacher and veteran cast member Chris MacKay.
Following the screening director Jake Rademacher and veteran cast member Chris MacKay answered audience questions in the Fisher Center.
Chris MacKay was among the veteran cast members of "Brothers After War." He shared his struggles reintegrating into civilian life and his journey with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, the national nonprofit providing charitable services benefitting the overall well-being of Veterans.
Gary Sinise speaking to luncheon attendees.
Gary Sinise and Belmont Veteran Success Team. L to R: Dr. Jim McIntrye, Jennifer Kiev, Gary Sinise, Kim Powell, Sara Gibson
Brothers After War: Amplifying Veterans’ Voices
“Brothers After War” is a sequel to Sinise and director Jake Rademacher’s 2009 project, “Brothers at War,” which documented the director’s journey to better understand the lives of two of his brothers as they served in the military. The new film reconnects with the former cast, now veterans, as they face new and universal challenges of reintegration.
The documentary emphasizes resilience, camaraderie and the importance of community support — themes echoed in Sinise’s advocacy work. “Brothers After War” will premiere in over 150 theaters across the country Feb. 28.
Belmont’s Commitment to Veterans
Sinise’s visit was organized in partnership with Belmont’s Veterans Success Team, a dedicated resource for student veterans and military-connected students. The Veterans Success Team is committed to fostering a supportive environment for those transitioning from service to academic life by offering personalized academic counseling, peer mentorship and access to mental health services. Belmont was recognized as a Best for Vets College by Military Times in 2024.
Sinise’s visit underscored Belmont’s ongoing efforts to provide a welcoming space for veterans to thrive both academically and personally.
“Having someone like Gary Sinise on campus is incredibly inspiring for our veterans,” Belmont’s educator-in-residence Brad Gioia said. “His work aligns perfectly with Belmont’s mission to empower individuals to engage and transform the world.”
Events were sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation and the AWC Family Foundation lecture series. Supporting military veterans as been a longstanding philanthropic priority of the AWC Family Foundation.
The AWC Family Foundation lecture series supports Belmont by making it possible to invite compelling speakers who forward the mission of the University to come and share their stories. Past lecturers include author Henry McCloud, screenplay writer of “BraveHeart” Randall Wallace and former MLB pitcher RA Dickey.
Sinise’s visit showcased the University’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and empowering individuals to serve their communities. As Belmont continues to build on its legacy of supporting veterans, events like these serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that collaboration and compassion can achieve.
I believe storytelling has the power to build bridges of understanding and compassion, especially for those who have sacrificed so much.”
Join the efforts to support our nation's military and veterans.