MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Although Halloween is a time for candy, Camp Pendleton and its residents received a special treat at the base theater as actor Gary Sinise with "The Lt. Dan Band" performed, Oct. 31.
More than 200 service members and their children were dressed up in their Halloween costumes to enjoy the free show provided by the United Service Organization.
During the concert Sinise and his band played hit titles form popular musicians such as Jimmy Hendrix, The Charlie Daniels Band, Linkin Park and numerous others.
But before Sinise and the band struck their first note, Sinise walked off stage, into the crowd and urged families to “come on down” and get a better look. And in the spirit of Halloween, the band also passed out candy during the gig.
“A lot of people think all (Sinise) can do is act,” said Cheryl Lynn, military spouse, Camp Pendleton. “Although he does that really well he can play his guitar just as well. For him to come out on Halloween and put on a performance for free, goes to show how great a person he really is.”
Sinise, has starred in blockbuster films such as “Of Mice and Men,” “Forrest Gump,”“Apollo 13” and “The Green Mile”. Sinise can also be seen on the hit television show, Crime Scene Investigation: New York.” During his time off, he travels to different military bases with his band, playing for the troops in the U.S. and foreign countries that include Iraq and Afghanistan.
Before the band took the stage outside the base theater, patrons dressed as ghouls, goblins, and princesses participated in numerous events, such as costume and pumpkin carving contests and candy giveaways.
“Candy for the kids and a rock concert for me and the wife; what more could you ask for on Halloween,” said Lance Cpl. Cameron Rhodes, supply clerk, 1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton.