Contact: Ruth Crnkovich Executive Director 312/326-0270 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 29, 2005 GARY SINISE TO PRESENT VETERANS ART MUSEUM HONOR TO MAYOR RICHARD M. DALEY On May 12, 2005, the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum (NVVAM) will honor Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in its second Above and Beyond Patriot Award benefit at the Hilton Chicago. Last year’s recipient, actor and musician Gary Sinise, will present the award, and WGN TV anchor and Vietnam veteran Robert Jordan will serve as master of ceremonies. The NVVAM is presenting Mayor Daley with this award to recognize his contributions to U.S. service men and women and to veterans. Mayor Daley has played an active role in serving military personnel and veteran communities in the city of Chicago. He urged Congress to appropriate $1 billion in newly authorized homeless veterans funds, including increased funding for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration program at the Department of Labor. He has fought for equal employment opportunities for active duty military personnel as well as for the continued operation of Veterans Administration hospitals. In 1996, Mayor Daley was so moved by the permanent collection of the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum that he provided a permanent home for the artwork. Award presenter and Chicago native Gary Sinise is a co-founder of Steppenwolf Theatre Company and a two-time Tony-nominee. He has appeared in many films including The Big Bounce, The Human Stain, A Gentleman’s Game, Imposter, Mission to Mars, Reindeer Games, The Green Mile, It’s the Rage, Bruno, Snake Eyes, Ransom, Apollo 13 and an Oscar-nominated lead role in Forrest Gump. Mr.Sinise currently stars in the CBS drama CSI:NY. In addition to his acting and directing credits, Mr. Sinise uses his talents to support troops stationed overseas. Along with his Lt. Dan Band (named for his character from Forrest Gump), he has embarked on numerous USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tours. He has co-founded Operation Iraqi Children with author Laura Hillenbrand, an effort to bring much-needed school supplies to children in Iraq. Individual tickets for the event are $250. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets or tables is encouraged to log on to the museum’s web site at www.nvvam.org or call 312/326-0270. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the museum and its programs. The Above and Beyond Patriot Award is presented to a civilian who contributed to the morale and welfare of the men and women of the U.S. military, demonstrating an above and beyond dedication to those in uniform, without receiving financial remuneration. The corporate chairman of the event is Phil Rooney. The event committee includes Ruth Crnkovich, Debra Kerr Fassnacht, Matthew Keepman and Donna LaPietra. Members of the honorary committee (in formation) include Alderman James A. Balcer, Congressman Rahm Emanuel, State Representative John A. Fritchey, Alderman Madeline Haithcock, Robert Jordan, Congressman Mark Steven Kirk, Donna LaPietra, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Allen J. Lynch, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Lieutenant Governor Patrick Quinn, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt and State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka. The NVVAM uses art created by veterans to educate and stimulate the public to reflect on the experience of war and Vietnam in particular. The museum has more than a thousand works of art created by more than 130 artists from various countries and reflecting various war experiences. The museum is located at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. and is open Tuesday-Saturday.