'Forrest Gump' star Gary Sinise warns many Americans are 'disconnected' from military service

The "Forrest Gump" actor spoke with Fox News' Benjamin Hall, saying the lack of personal connection has created a gap between civilians and those who fight for their freedom.

"They're disconnected to what happens when somebody serves our country," he added.

Sinise said not knowing someone in the military leaves some Americans questioning why anyone would put on a uniform and go to war. But he raised the question of what would happen to our freedoms if there was "nobody that wanted to do that?"

The actor pointed to Vietnam veterans as an example, saying they never got the recognition or "support they needed" when they returned home.

"Coming up and patting them on the back and saying, 'You know what? I appreciate people like you who serve our country in uniform. I appreciate what you do.' That can change somebody's day," he added.

"Lieutenant Dan walking into a hospital room could just make things a little bit easier for that family or that wounded service member," he said.

"When I saw that that was effective, I wanted to do it more and more."

Part of that mission is making sure that, unlike the Vietnam veterans, service members today get the welcome home and support they deserve.