An Evening of Gratitude: Gary Sinise Honors Military Heroes at Alamogordo’s Flickinger Center Saturday Evening

ALAMOGORDO, NM – On the evening of February 21, 2026, the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts in Alamogordo, New Mexico in the Alamogordo MainStreet Cultural Arts and History District, became a hub of patriotism and appreciation as acclaimed actor and veteran advocate Gary Sinise took the stage for “An Evening with Gary Sinise,” the second installment in the Sacramento Mountains Foundation’s speaker series. 

The event, which drew a strong turnout with all tickets secured within 4 days of released to the local military community including personnel from Holloman Air Force Base and locals alike. The presentation focused on themes of resilience, strength, and service, reminding attendees of the sacrifices made by those in uniform.

Sinise, best known for his iconic role as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, appeared not as a Hollywood star but as a dedicated patriot committed to supporting military members and their families. Introduced and interviewed by local leaders Colonel Etheridge, the 49th Wing Commander, and Chief Ford, the Holloman AFB Command Chief, Sinise shared heartfelt stories that evoked a palpable sense of pride in the room. As one attendee described it, “It wasn’t about applause. It wasn’t about spotlight. It was about gratitude.”

Alamogordo City Commissioner Warren Robinson who attended both local icon Bob Sepulveda’s 90th birthday bash and then the Flickinger Sinise event said the evening for him was “motivating and was a celebration of exactly what is good and positive about our community. I began at 5 honoring a local icon Bob Sepulveda at age 90 inspired by how many thousands of individuals he has positively impacted and then  ended the evening with a full house of inspired individuals that heard the positive impact of service, sacrifice and reverence to something bigger than oneself.” 

The atmosphere was charged with respect and community spirit. In a town deeply tied to its military roots, the event served as a powerful reminder that “service is sacred” and “sacrifice is real.”

Alamogordo residents and Holloman personnel alike showed up in force, filling the historic venue with an unmistakable air of unity and appreciation. “Freedom has a face – and often, it lives right next door,” echoed sentiments from the night.

Presented by the Sacramento Mountains Foundation, the free event highlighted Sinise’s decades-long commitment to honoring veterans, first responders, and service members through his Gary Sinise Foundation, which raises millions annually to support injured veterans and their families. Attendees left inspired, with many expressing gratitude for living in a community that values such gatherings.

Looking ahead, Sinise is set to return to Holloman and Alamogordo this summer for a special fundraiser benefiting local veterans, further strengthening the bonds between the community and those who serve.

Events like this underscore Alamogordo’s pride in its military heritage and its commitment to supporting those who protect our freedoms and represent the values of #AlamogordoProud. 

Alamogordo photographer Mike Mason put together a unique portfolio of photographs from the evening check out his photo array…​

https://www.mikemason.photography/p134264543?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQIclZleHRuA…

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