American Airlines works with Sinise, OIC in Afghanistan effort

C.S.I. New York lead actor Gary Sinise, American Airlines, DHL Express, and Operation International Children (OIC) recently partnered to deliver humanitarian aid packages to Afghanistan for local children. Founded by Sinise and author Laura Hillenbrand (Seabiscuit: An American Legend), OIC, formerly Operation Iraqi Children, was started in 2004 to support U.S. soldiers’ efforts to assist Iraqi children, many of whom attend severely neglected schools. For this mission, OIC is supplying more than 7,660 school supply kits and Crocs shoes for the Afghan children.

Sinise, who is also known for starring roles in Forrest Gump and Apollo 13, and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, traveled to Afghanistan to perform for U.S. troops at three military bases during Thanksgiving week. Entertainers joining Sinise on the USO tour include model/TV host Leeann Tweeden, actress Kristy Swanson, comedian Kevin Farley, and actor Mykelti Williamson, all of whom will also entertain U.S. troops.

Although Sinise has made several handshake tours to both Iraq and Afghanistan, this trip will mark the first time he and his band perform for the troops.

 Sinise, American Airlines and OIC have worked together in the past to deliver humanitarian aid. In April 2009, volunteers from American Airlines and OIC transported more than 20 tons of basic school supplies, new Crocs shoes, and other items to children in Iraq. This trip marked the largest one-time shipment of supplies in Operation International Children’s history, with 10,000 school kits delivered.

“We admire the work that Gary Sinise and his organization have done to help the children in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Tom Del Valle, American’s senior vice president for domestic airport services, who will be traveling to Afghanistan with Sinise. “It is an honor to participate in this mission and spend time with our troops during the holiday season.”

In July, American employees raised money through the “Kick-Start a Dream” program to purchase more than 1,100 soccer balls. With assistance from DHL Express, the balls were shipped to U.S. Marines in Afghanistan who delivered them to local children, aiding the troops’ mission to further their goodwill in the country.