An actor who became a fierce veterans’ advocate, an active-duty Miss USA contestant and a soldier who was inspired by a punk rock concert to help save lives will all be featured in July as part of the Association of the U.S. Army’s “Army Matters” podcast.

First up, on July 3, is the episode featuring Gary Sinise, actor, musician, advocate for service members and veterans and the 2017 recipient of AUSA’s highest award, the George Catlett Marshall Medal.

Thirty years ago, audiences around the world were introduced to Forrest Gump and his Army commander, Lt. Dan Taylor. For Sinise, who played Taylor, the role was not only a major moment in his acting career but also in his relationship with the Army and the military.

Since the movie’s release in 1994, Sinise has raised millions for veterans, met with wounded warriors around the world and played more than 500 concerts for military members and their families.

During the podcast, Sinise talks about the legacy of Forrest Gump, what he’s gotten from his time with the troops and how music has helped him deal with the recent loss of his son, Mac.

Next up is a podcast featuring 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper, a 2023 West Point graduate who will be representing Michigan at the Miss USA pageant in August.

Cooper, who also is an Army brat, is a Knight-Hennessy Scholar who’s currently completing a graduate degree in data science at Stanford University, focusing on body mass index research that could support the Army’s recruiting efforts.

In the podcast available July 17, Cooper will share her story and experience at West Point, and why she believes obesity is a major cause for concern in the world today. She also will pull back the curtain on Miss USA and pageants today.

Finally, on July 31, the podcast will feature Spc. Christian Sutton, also known as the “Bone Marrow Guy.”

In summer 2021, Sutton reluctantly attended a punk rock concert and was intrigued by a bone marrow registration table at the venue. Inspired, he created Operation Ring the Bell, a series of donor drive events that has taken place at several Army posts and led to thousands of new potential bone marrow donors—and saved lives.

During the podcast, Sutton will share how his life has been driven by volunteering, how a few Afghan refugees have inspired him and how he envisions turning the Army into a worldwide leader in bone marrow donations.

Full details on the podcasts are available at https://www.ausa.org/podcast. Listeners also can subscribe to Army Matters for updates.