Gary Sinise Says New Documentary Shows Vets 'You Can Move On and Have a Happy Life' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Actor Gary Sinise is the executive producer of the new documentary Brothers After War.Photo:Gary Sinise Foundation; Michael Tullberg/Getty

Gary Sinise Foundation; Michael Tullberg/Getty

When actor and filmmaker Jake Rademacher first told his brother Joe, then an Army ranger sniper, that he wanted to make a documentary following him and their sibling Isaac in their deployment to Iraq in 2005, Rademacher’s little brother was skeptical.

“He didn’t get it, but he went along with it because he’s my brother,” Rademacher says.

At the premiere of that film,Brothers At War,in 2009, Joe was nervous. “It was a very personal look at him, and all his buddies from sniper school were in the audience,” says Rademacher, 49. But the film ended up receiving a standing ovation. “It was a turning point. He realized, ‘They’re not looking at me with judgment. They’re looking at me with acknowledgement.'”

Brothers Isaac, Joe and Jake Rademacher (L-far right) with Gary Sinise in 2009 when Brothers At War premiered.Gary Sinise Foundation

Gary Sinise Foundation

When Rademacher turned to his siblings again for his new documentary,Brothers After War, which chronicles the struggles they, and other vets, have faced after coming home after service, this time Joe was fully on board. And he opened up in way that surprised even his older brother.

Filmmaker Jake Rademacher (right) with brother Joe in Brothers After the War.Gary Sinise Foundation

Sinise says there’s another lesson in Joe’s story — and in the stories of many of the other veterans Rademacher follows inBrothers After War, in select theaters nationwide beginning Feb. 28. “At the end of the film, you see he’s a happy family guy,” says Sinise, who executive produced the second film as well. “We want veterans to see that. We want them moving forward. Process your war years, but don’t let them completely and totally define you. You can move on and have a happy life.”

Gary Sinise (center) with Jake and Joe Rademacher (second from right and right) and two vets from Brothers After the War, at the premiere Feb. 25.Gary Sinise Foundation

The actor discovered the same sort of inspiration playingLt. Dan TayloroppositeTom Hanksin 1994’s Forrest Gump. The character was a Vietnam vet disabled in the war who struggled after coming home, but who later came to find his purpose. It’s a role that has given shape to Sinise’s real life.

“The story of Lt. Dan is very positive, and it’s a story I’ve carried since I played the part,” says Sinise, who in 2011 started theGary Sinise Foundation, which supports vets and which has donated $150,000 in movie tickets so that vets, first responders, and their families, can see the film for free. The Foundation has also sponsored workshops showingBrothers At WarandBrothers After Warand facilitating discussion with vets. “What’s great is that Lt.Dan makes peace at the end. And we want that story for everybody who serves our country.”

Gary Sinise as Lt. Dan Taylor in 1994’s ‘Forrest Gump’.Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock

Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock

Rademacher’s new film catches up with several other veterans from his first documentary, including his brother Isaac, now 47 and married with three kids, who rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel before starting a land renovation business, as well as Master Sgt. Derreck K. Sfachios Fischer, a paratrooper who now works as a sky-diving instructor — and who took Rademacher for a jump.

Retired Army Sgt. Derreck K. Sfachios Fischer in Brothers At War (left); and helping Rademacher gear up for skydiving in Brothers After the War.Gary Sinise Foundation (2)

Gary Sinise Foundation (2)

Poor eyesight kept Rademacher from signing up for military service himself so the filmmaker says his own mission has been to put the spotlight on those who have served.

“I haven’t worn the uniform of our nation — I would’ve loved to — but I think there’s something valuable about saying, ‘These guys’ stories matter,'” he says. “I think the best part of my generation were the ones who volunteered to serve the rest of us. A lot of them put their lives on hold for 20 years and there was a major impact on their family. We want people to meet these people who’ve done so much for us.'”

source: people.com