Mike Rowe earned one of the best ratings in all of television with his never-ending work ethic, blue-collar American values and common sense.
And his refusal to bow at the feet of Big Academia made him a victim of the woke Cancel Culture mob.
But now the Dirty Jobs legend just delivered a tear-jerking message about one “Lieutenant’s” service that will have you up in arms.
Gary Sinise’s two decades of humanitarian efforts
Gary Sinise has starred in nearly 30 movies in his career, as well as leading CSI: NY for nine years.
He’s undoubtedly most recognized for his epic role as “Lieutenant Dan” alongside Tom Hank in Forrest Gump.
But while Sinise is a fantastic actor – especially when playing a villain – his legacy goes far beyond the big screen.
Few have done more to help American soldiers and veterans than Sinise, whose involvement in these issues stretches back to him co-founding Operation Iraqi Children to ship school supplies to U.S. troops for them to give to Iraqi children.
And it turns out, Mike Rowe is a big fan of Sinise’s efforts.
Rowe recently took to Twitter to ask one important question that he hopes will catch the attention of President Donald Trump.
Quick question—how is it possible that @GarySinise has not been awarded The Medal of Freedom?
According to the internet, The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States, bestowed by decision of the President. Appropriate candidates for this award include… pic.twitter.com/bucIOvgkZf
— The Real Mike Rowe (@mikeroweworks) April 1, 2025
“How is it possible that Gary Sinise has not been awarded The Medal of Freedom,” Rowe asked.
According to the American Presidency Project, in 1963 President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order creating the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The award is to be bestowed by the President to recipients who’ve contributed to, the interests of the United States, world peace, or other significant cultural endeavors.
It’s considered the highest honor a civilian can receive.
And Rowe makes a compelling case for Sinise to be the next recipient.
Mike Rowe nominates Gary Sinise for Medal of Freedom
“I hereby nominate Gary Sinise for this great honor and invite all of you who agree to second my nomination below,” Rowe tweeted. “Hopefully, the President will take note. Because honestly, who has done more to serve our nation’s veterans and first responders than Gary Sinise?”
Rowe pointed out that The Gary Sinise Foundation has served more than one million meals and given 94 “smart” homes to wounded veterans and their families.
Additionally, the foundation has modified hundreds of homes and automobiles to fit the specific injury-related disabilities of veterans.
And Sinise has personally traveled to entertain troops about 600 times.
“Gary’s determination and humility have become the benchmark for any public figure trying to elevate a righteous cause,” Rowe added. “Over the years, his efforts have inspired me to use my own influence (such as it is) to reinvigorate the skilled trades and help close America’s skills gap. But whenever I start feeling satisfied with the progress we’ve made, I look at Gary’s efforts and realize I could be doing so much more.”
The Dirty Jobs host also noted that earlier this year, Sinise expanded his efforts in the wake of the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.
Rowe then took the opportunity to tell a personal story about one of his interactions with the actor.
“Last month, shortly after the fires raged through Los Angeles, Gary flew to Santa Monica to share his son’s music on my podcast,” Rowe recounted. “Mac Sinise was a very talented composer who lost his fight with a rare form of cancer early last year. Now, Gary is on a mission to make sure people know just how large a talent his son possessed by sharing his music far and wide. However, on that particular morning, long before we met at my studio, Gary was on the beach in Malibu feeding hundreds of tired and hungry first responders. He and his merry band of volunteers had risen with the sun to care for hundreds of first responders who were still working round the clock. Then, after our podcast, Gary rushed off to play another benefit with The Lt. Dan Band.”
Rowe concluded that no one deserves to be recognized more than the selfless Gary Sinise.
Stay tuned to Unmuzzled News for any updates to this ongoing story.