Bless Gary, such a wonderful soul.
ANAHEIM – Staff Sgt. Michael Irish didn’t get a ceremonious return from his last tour to Afghanistan.
Irish was taken straight to a U.S. hospital for treatment – back surgery, hearing problems, traumatic brain injury. Since April, he has filled his time with two or three appointments daily at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia.
But earlier this month, Irish finally felt like he got recognition – at Disneyland.
“This is a great welcome home for all of us soldiers who didn’t get a welcome home,” Irish said.
Irish was among about 50 wounded servicemen and -women treated to a trip to Southern California earlier this month that was filmed for ABC-TV’s “Countdown to the Oscars,” which airs at 8 p.m. Thursday. This year’s Academy Awards’ theme is celebrating heroes.
Honoring the military members was the idea of the Gary Sinise Foundation, which assists military families and first-responders. The actor co-starred in “Forrest Gump,” playing Lt. Dan, who lost his legs in Vietnam. The foundation teamed up with American Airlines, Disney and others to help with arrangements for the four-day trip.
The service members – each could bring a guest – had surprises along the way – including a trip to Paramount Studios and a red-carpet welcome at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Anaheim. Celebrities, including Tim Allen, greeted them in Hollywood. Tom Hanks, who played Forrest Gump, introduced a showing of the 1994 movie.
HT: BizPacReview