In this episode, hosts Levi and Brandon welcome Jim Ravella, Vice President of Programs at the Gary Sinise Foundation. They discuss the mission, programs and initiatives offered at the Gary Sinise Foundation to support our nation’s defenders and their families.

Jim Ravella grew up in a family that served in the military – his father served as a pilot during WW2, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Jim graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Metallurgical Engineering, and was inspired to become a pilot. He served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force for over 26 years. 

Jim joined the Gary Sinise Foundation in May 2019 as Vice President of Outreach prior to his subsequent promotion to VP of Programs. Jim’s position involves overseeing the day-to-day running of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s programmatic services and the implementation of the Foundation’s four pillar programs. Jim is married to Ginger Gilbert Ravella, a Gold Star widow and Ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation, who speaks nationally raising awareness for Veterans and the families of our fallen. Jim and Ginger have seven children and have co-authored a book “Hope Found” about their experiences overcoming devastating loss and tragedy.

The Gary Sinise Foundation was established under the philanthropic direction of award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, who has been an advocate for Veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families for 40 years.  The Foundation’s four programmatic pillars include the R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) Program, which builds 100% mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded Veterans and first responders, and their families. These “forever homes” are tailored to the specific needs of each wounded hero and are specially designed to ease the daily challenges faced by disabled Veterans and first responders, and their families, who sacrifice so much alongside them. The R.I.S.E. program also provides home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to Veterans and first responders with injuries and medical conditions. 

The Gary Sinise Foundation’s Community and Education Program bridges the gap between defender and civilian communities through initiatives that honor America’s heroes, both past and present, and inspire the next generation to do the same, such as the Foundation’s Soaring Valor initiative.  Soaring Valor sends WWII Veterans to New Orleans to tour the National WWII Museum built in their honor while recording their oral histories for future generations. Through this initiative, high school students accompany WWII Veterans to learn history first-hand and carry on their stories with a new appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation. 

The Foundation’s First Responders Outreach Program, its third key program, provides funding to first responder departments across the country for essential equipment, PPE, emergency relief, and training to ensure first responders are able to perform to the best of their abilities. Gary Sinise and the foundation’s long history supporting first responders began in the aftermath of 9/11 with Gary’s support of the FDNY and NYPD and pivotal role in creating the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, and continues to this day: in 2020 alone, the Foundation’s First Responders Outreach program provided thousands of pieces of critical PPE and essential equipment needed for first responders to fight COVID-19, serving a total population of 8.5 million.

The Foundation’s last key program, the Relief and Resiliency Program, supports Veterans, first responders,  and their families through any hardships they face, offering complete support before, during, and after the battle through flagship initiatives like Snowball Express, which provides year-round support to the families of fallen military heroes. The Foundation’s Mental Wellness initiatives are under the Relief and Resilience Program umbrella, and address the mental wellness needs of service members, first responders, and Veterans through many varying partnerships. One of the latest mental health initiatives, which is discussed on this podcast, is the Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network which focuses on providing transformative care to Veterans and first responders suffering from TBI, post-traumatic stress, and substance abuse, as well as supporting their families throughout the care process. The Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network is the first comprehensive traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress network available free-of-charge to Veterans and first responders nationwide and will establish 20 sites nationwide to serve thousands of Veterans and first responders.

Learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation hereand in our latest episode of the Vets First Podcast.