Nov 04, 2013 04:46 PM EST By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

A Hollywood actor is using his fame and influence to help war veterans.

Gary Sinise, who portrayed Lt. Dan Taylor, a veteran who loses both his legs in combat in "Forrest Gump," - which is often referred to as America's iconic movie nearly 20 years ago, is raising money for veterans, WebProNews reported.

"When I played Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump" I never thought that 20 years later I'd still be associated with the character," he told CBS News. "I knew it was an important movie and I very much wanted to play the part

"But could have I predicted that 20 years later people would still call me that? And I'd walk into the hospital room of a double amputee and he would recognize me for that? And that would open the doors for a conversation? No. I couldn't have predicted that," he said.

Sinise performed with the Lt. Dan Band, a band he formed in 2003 and plays bass guitar in, to tour and raise money for veterans, at an event in Memphis, Tenn. last Saturday to honor cpl. Christian Brown, "who lost both of his legs when he stepped on an explosive device in December 2011 in Afghanistan."

The money the band raised from the performance will be used to construct a home for Brown, WebProNews reported. The smart-home will feature helpful accommodations such as automated doors, wheel-chair accessible spaces, and iPad controllable electronic devices through the Building for America's Bravest project.

Brown told WebProNews he is grateful for the efforts and the smart-home will improve his lifestyle.

"It's just frustrating. It's not really ... that difficult. In fact there are so many things that on such a small level, on a day-to-day basis it just starts to add up," he said. "It stretches you out a little bit. You wish things could be easy and jump up and do things like everybody else. [The Smart Home] is going to help me with the transition."

Since the creation of the Building for America's Bravest project, Sinise and others have helped raised money to build or start the construction of more than 25 different homes for military veterans. They've raised more than $11 million.

Sinise said he will focus his career on supporting veterans, wounded warriors and families.

"Personally, I have made it a particular mission to do what I can to draw attention to our military and first responder communities and to make sure they know they are remembered and appreciated," Sinise said on his bands website, ltdanband.com. "Whether through performing with the band, supporting a military charity or visiting the war zones and hospitals to shake some hands and take some pictures ... It is important to remember that these defenders are volunteers."

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