Operation Ben: Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band to Perform May 19 Concert to Raise Funds to Build Home for Marine Sgt. Ben Tomlinson

03/20/2013


The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, named in honor FDNY 9/11 fallen Firefighter Stephen Siller, and the Gary Sinise Foundation, along with Jacksonville State University and community leaders are pleased to announce “Operation Ben” at JSU Stadium to honor Marine Sgt. Ben Tomlinson, who was paralyzed in Afghanistan in 2011 after he was shot by enemy fire. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation have partnered through their “Building for America’s Bravest” program to build Sgt. Tomlinson a “Smart Home” in Jacksonville, Alabama.  “Operation Ben” is a community wide effort to honor Sgt. Tomlinson with a Lt. Dan Band Benefit Concert  scheduled for May 19, 2013 at JSU’s Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at www.OperationBen.com.  Proceeds of the concert go towards building Ben a “Smart Home” in Jacksonville, Alabama, which will allow him the opportunity to live independently. 

The official announcement was made at a March 20 press conference at JSU Stadium. Local first responders and the Patriot Guard escorted Sgt. Tomlinson and his family to the press conference and representatives from the Gary Sinise Foundation, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Jacksonville State University and the City of Jacksonville assisted in making the announcement. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation, in the interest of “Let us do Good” have developed the “Building for America’s Bravest Program” to give independence back for those that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  

Organizers ask the entire region to support this wounded warrior by purchasing tickets to the May 19th concert at www.OperationBen.com.  Proceeds of the concert go towards building Ben his “Smart Home” in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Companies and community groups interested in becoming sponsors are encouraged to call Chris Kuban at 314-603-2866 for more information.




About the Gary Sinise Foundation

The Gary Sinise Foundation serves our Nation by supporting and honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. One of its premiere programs, Building for America’s Bravest, is dedicated to providing customized “Smart Homes” for severely wounded heroes. For more information, visit www.GarySiniseFoundation.org. Donate to Building For America’s Bravest program at  www.garysinisefoundation.org/about/programs_detail/557/

About the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, best known for its annual Tunnel to Towers Run at Ground Zero in New York City, is committed to building specially-­‐adapted “Smart Homes” for the most seriously wounded U.S. service personnel through its Building for America’s Bravest program. For more information, go to  www.Tunnel2Towers.org.

Corporate Sponsorship 

American Airlines is the official airline of the Gary Sinise Foundation, and also serves as the official airline for the Building For America’s Bravest program.