Gary Sinise performs in USO show at JBER

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A USO concert Thursday night at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson featured actor Gary Sinise and the Lieutenant Dan Band.

Sinise stars in the TV show “CSI: New York” and has appeared in films including “Apollo 13” and “The Green Mile,” but is perhaps best known for his role as Lieutenant Dan in “Forrest Gump.”

At a Thursday afternoon rehearsal, Sinise said this is his first trip to Alaska. The concert was one of three scheduled in the state this week.

“We're always thrilled to be able to you know, come and help -- help support the troops, and entertain them and their families, and see places like this,” Sinise said. “I mean, we've been in some not-so-great places too, but this is one of the more beautiful spots we've been in.”

The band will perform at Air Station Kodiak Friday and Fairbanks’ Eielson Air Force Base on Saturday.