Tomlinson says he's "blessed" and "grateful" for the benefit concert. Source: WBRC video
Officials announced details of the concert today at JSU's Snow-Burgess Stadium. Source: WBRC videoJACKSONVILLE, AL (WBRC) -
The Lt. Dan Band is helping a wounded Alabama Marine through Operation Ben.
Sgt. Ben Tomlinson of Jacksonville was paralyzed in Afghanistan after being hit by enemy fire.
A police escort brought Tomlinson to Snow-Burgess Stadium at Jacksonville State University on March 20 to learn more about a fundraiser to help him build a new home. Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band will entertain the community during a Sunday, May 19 concert at the stadium.
Photos: Marine Sgt. Ben Tomlinson welcomed home in Jacksonville
The proceeds will help build a "smart home" for Tomlinson. The high-tech house will be run from an iPad and will be built around Tomlinson's needs as a paraplegic. Tomlinson currently lives with his parents so a newly constructed home would make him more independent.
Tomlinson says he's always surprised by the reaction he gets from his country and community and he was also surprised by the efforts of Sinise, who played another wounded warrior in "Forrest Gump."
"I'm blessed, obviously, spoiled, I don't, you know, obviously I don't think I deserve a free house, you know, that's just crazy. But they're doing it, so, you know, just blessed, grateful," he said.
The concert is co-sponsored by the Sinise Foundation and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Tickets are $25 to $35 or $50 for VIP field seats. To purchase tickets, please visit www.operationben.com or call 1-800-293-5949.
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