(November 11, 2020) – We certainly cannot let this Veterans Day pass without stopping to remember and to thank the brave men and women who have served our country. Oh, how I love the country we live in! I love our freedom and I appreciate those who serve so generously to make it possible. It doesn’t matter what your personal stance is about war, or whether you think our country should be involved in the conflicts happening abroad. The fact is, our own brothers, sisters, parents, sons, and daughters are far away from home and they need our love and support on many levels.
I am so proud of the fact that our Paul Mitchell Schools have raised $935,000 for the Gary Sinise Foundation, which helps build custom-designed “smart homes” for our nation’s most severely wounded warriors while supporting active duty service members, veterans, first responders, and the children and families of our fallen.
I’m grateful that I live in a country that allows me to work, compete in business, pursue my dreams, and give back to those who make it all happen, which definitely includes our military men and women. As a business owner, I use my “power” to support many other causes as well. It’s the patriotic thing to do, and I encourage you to do the same.
I feel so lucky to have had a father who sacrificed so much for our country and his family. My dad entered the U.S. Navy as a torpedoman’s mate in 1943 and served for the rest of World War II on the destroyer U.S.S. Hudson. He served in many campaigns in the South Pacific, and his ship was involved in more major battles in the Pacific than any other ship during the war. From his ship on February 23, 1945, my dad saw the U.S. Marines raise the flag atop Mount Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima. He endured a life of pain from a shoulder injury incurred during the war, showing his great sacrifice for freedom and country.
I once asked my dad for his thoughts about the men, women, and families serving our country today. He said, “I think everybody should support them. When you know of a serviceperson—man or woman—seek them out and see if there’s something you can do for them.”
Please listen to this audio message as I interview my World War II father, Donn Claybaugh. It's a special call to action, not a political statement; just a humble and passionate request for you to support a group of individuals who need your love, comfort, attention, and gratitude—the families of our troops at home and abroad.
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Winn interviews actor, musician, and humanitarian Gary Sinise, a beautiful, humble, and kindhearted man who does extraordinary work on behalf of all military men and women, their families, veterans, and first responders. No matter what your charitable cause or advocacy passion, Gary is the ultimate mentor on what it means to have a servant’s heart.