My Hero --A Great American Patriot

For the last few weeks, I've had someone on my mind.

I have been seeing CSI New York on TV more than usual which sparked me to think about Gary Sinise, the star of the show.  I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sinise on two occasions, once in Aviano, Italy at Hubby's flying squadron when Mr. Sinise was touring Europe and made an unannounced visit to the squadron, and the other time at a VIP event at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii just prior to a Lt. Dan Band Concert.

The video of his 60 Minutes interview is pretty incredible.  It's well worth watching.  You get to see the kind of man he really is when Hollywood is not around.  He's not about Hollywood.  At all.  Not even a little bit.

I love this man!  Despite his stardom, he's a humble man dedicated to making the lives of our service personnel better.  He quietly goes about his work.  He asks for no accolades.  He just does what needs to be done.  He has no problem asking others to help him.  He has a purpose and has staked out his claim.

He does so much for the military---it's actually pretty incredible how much time he devotes to representing the cause of military both active duty, retired, and disabled veterans.  The Gary Sinise Foundation celebrates two years of serving our military families and wounded warriors.  I cannot say enough good things about the work this man does.  He has an A List of corporate sponsors behind him who are dedicated to our military families.   Take a look at the Foundation's Blog and see for yourself what they have accomplished in two years.

The interviewer said to him, "you're a big shot actor, and this is what makes you feel important."  His response was, "it makes you get out of yourself."

 Mr. Sinise knows what is really important.  He believes you cannot forget your Defenders.

In 2009, Mr. Sinise filmed an exclusive documentary with Fox News entitled "On the Road in Iraq With Our Troops and Gary Sinise."  His personal goal was to shake 5000 hands, and go 2000 miles in seven days.  He did it.  It is a moving documentary.


I know Mr. Sinise will never know who I am or know how much I appreciate his work.  However, I want to tell as many people as I can about him and his Foundation.  He is a person that REALLY makes a difference and goes about his daily life doing good.  He's a Saint in my book.

Gary Sinise will go down in history because he believed in a cause---not because he was a television and movie star.  A few others went on before him --- Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis are two that come quickly to mind.  They cut the mold.  No one knew how to do it before them.  They got in and figured it out.  Mr. Sinise has stepped into some big boots and is doing just fine.  Actually, I think he has fined tuned it.

I feel fortunate to have met him and had the opportunity to shake his hand.

The Mission:

“Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should never take for granted. We must do all we can to extend our hand in times of need to those who willingly sacrifice each day to provide that freedom and security. While we can never do enough to show our gratitude to our nation's defenders, we can always do a little more” -GARY SINISE

"It's very important that we give back to these volunteers who serve our nation because they're on the front lines for us, and they need to know we care," he said. "Perhaps one of the reasons that I've jumped on board so strongly for the USO, and for supporting the service members in this time of war, is that I do remember how our Vietnam veterans were treated when they came home, and we can never let that happen again."  Air Force Link, November 3, 2004





"Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good" is an exceptional full-length documentary movie that rallies all who experience it around our flag, our nation, and the men and women who selflessly serve our country and daily place themselves in harm's way.

Ramadan - The Holy Month

On our flight back from the US the other day,  I popped a piece of gum in my mouth as we began our decent into Abu Dhabi and offered one to my Hubby.  We both began to chew frantically hoping to reduce the pressure in our ears as we were lowered nearer the airport.  After a few minutes, Hubby tapped me on the shoulder and shoved a tissue into my face and gesturing with his hands to put my gum in the tissue.  We had forgotten Ramadan!  And chewing gum in public is forbidden during Ramadan.  Whew!  That would have been a bad thing to do.

Not that anyone would have said anything but it would have been disrespectful to chew gum in public.
So I pulled out my Ramadan Guidebook to remind me of the do's and don'ts during Ramadan.

A few rules to remember during Ramadan

• Don’t eat or drink in the presence of Muslims during the daylight hours.  Muslims are fasting during daylight hours and are strictly forbidden to take anything by mouth.

• Most restaurants are open only after sunset during Ramadan.

• Don’t have food or snacks in plain sight during Ramadan.

• Don’t smoke or chew gum in the presence of Muslims during Ramadan.

• Don’t use profane words or gestures during Ramadan.

• Most women will be veiled and covered throughout this time.

• Muslim families will gather together daily after sundown to celebrate the end of the fast.  Don’t be alarmed if you see large groups of families gathering in homes or mosques.

• Expect celebratory gunfire during Eid al-Fitr. 

Avoid the following cultural insensitivities:

• Do not be seen consuming alcohol.

• No Smoking in Public (you will be issued a citation and

  fined for smoking or drinking)

• Profane or derogatory gestures.

• Arguing and shouting.

• Loud music and profane language.

• Eating meals in the presence of Muslims during daylight – also you will not find a restaurant open during the daylight.

Some may think that Ramadan is oppressive, but actually it is not.  Yes, having to search for a restaurant that is open during Ramadan (usually one that can seal off the diners from public view) in the daylight hours is somewhat daunting and an inconvenience, however, Ramadan is not all that bad.  I find that I want to stay indoors during this time of year anyway because of the heat.  So I don't get out as much.   Ramadan is much harder for Hubby as he works in an office environment where he is the only American and Non-Muslim.  So, he must be very respectful and not eat or drink during the day.   The last two mornings I have prepared him a hardy breakfast with lots of protein in hopes of helping him make it through the day.  Fortunately, his work day ends at 2:00 and Ramadan hours have him going in to the office much later around 9:00.  

One thing that is nice about Ramadan is the focus on charitable initiatives.  Many charitable organizations around the country distribute Iftar meals (the breaking of fast meal after sunset each day) to the poor and needy.  Ramadan definitely highlights the spirit of giving of the season---much like western nations during the Christmas season.  

Two organizations I have read about recently is The Community Development Authority and the Khalifa Foundation.

     The CDA has a Ramadan campaign that includes serving Iftar meals, giving essential food baskets, and visiting the elderly.  The month long program is called Yestahloon (colloquial for "well deserved") and is held in collaboration with 23 social clubs and private sector organizations.  At least 1.5 million Dirhams ($408K) of donations will be used to reach the blue collar workers, families, and elderly around Dubai.  For example, one company provides money, another prepares the food, and another delivers it.  Volunteers do a ton of the work.  

                 The Khalifa Foundation hosts its fourth annual Ramadan Iftar initiative serving nearly 1.76 million Iftar meals  throughout the UAE during Ramadan.  Amazing.  1.76 million meals!  Empowering 600 Emirati families.  Here's how it works:

Lower income families are encouraged to prepare Iftar meals for Muslims and the foundation provides them with the ingredients.  The objective is to distribute 58,700 iftar meals daily.  This helps boost the family's income and encourage them to set up a business that will help with financial independence.  The foundation provides the ingredients and services.  They have inspection teams from the Foundation and the Public Safety making random visits to ensure food safety.

I am always amazed at the enormity of these projects.  The Sheikh Zayed Mosque here in Abu Dhabi serves thousands of meals each evening for all the laborers in the city.  I have never been but I have seen some amazing photos of the event.  The city also provides free bus transportation from the labor camps to the Mosque for worship and Iftar meals. 

We are heading to a local restaurant with friends on Thursday night for an Iftar celebration.  It is a chance to celebrate with the  Muslim community and participate in an event that is a cherished celebration throughout the country.  Lavish buffets are served in restaurants throughout the community to allow the Muslim community to participate in their traditions.  It is truly a unique experience and one that expatriates love to share.  

Ramadan Kareem!