Free event honors local troops

Fort Carson and its partners pulling out all the stops Saturday to show our local troops a little gratitude.

“I’m out here with my family to see the Lieutenant Dan Band,” veteran Michael Day said.

Thousands came out to Fort Carson, enjoying a break from the daily grind.

“I’m glad to be able to come back,” Gary Sinise said.

Sinise is known for his role as “Lieutenant Dan” in “Forest Gump.” Now Sinise takes to stages all over the world to play for the troops.

“I have a lot of veterans in my own family. I have a lot of respect for veterans and appreciation for them and for the men and women who are serving in active duty in our county,” Sinise said. “So I wanted to do my part.”

Day saw Gary Sinise and the Lieutenant Dan Band play in Korea several years ago.

“They were great the first time around, and I’m positive they’ll be as great as they were then,” Day said. “All I want to do is sit back, relax, and have some fun with my family.”

Mario Gallardo also heard the band play while he served in the Middle East. He came for the band Saturday, but was also pleasantly surprised by the free food.

“I found out when they put a one-pound steak on my plate,” Gallardo said.

Some 3800 16 oz. steaks were prepared for the troops Saturday, all to thank them for their service.

“They give so much to us, and this is just such a simple way of providing a steak dinner to these young people and thanking them for their service,” Bill Broadie said.

Broadie is the chairman of the Beef Battalion. As a veteran himself, he enjoys serving the troops.

“It’s so humbling,” Broadie said.

After all, the event is all for those who risk their lives.

“We just give everybody a break and let them relax and enjoy some fun,” Sinise said.