While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, and the families that serve alongside them, we can always do a little more.

There’s a message I want to deliver in this book: I love my country and I’m grateful to be an American. I know where my freedom comes from, and I do not take for granted the sacrifices of those who provide it. Because of that, I want to do all I can to ensure America’s defenders and their families are never forgotten.

I can most certainly say that what happened to our country on September 11 broke my heart and changed me forever. It forced me to rethink everything. What do I really believe? How do I want to raise my kids? What kind of example do I want to set for them? What can I do to give back to this great country I love? How can I use my good fortune to help? It was a turning point and marked the beginning of a new level of service. I found that the more I gave, the more I healed.

How can I make a difference in restoring what’s been lost? How can I help make sure our veterans are never treated that way again?

Sometimes you’re in great demand. Then suddenly your career hits the breaks.

I’ve worked with a lot of really fine actors, both on stage and on screen. The level of their game lifts me up and brings the level of my game up to theirs. Always. It’s like a constant upgrade.

I’m not like one of those actors who’s a frustrated director.

I’ve directed enough in the theatre and a couple of films to know that – to feel fairly secure that if I find a story that I really like I can probably get it done somewhat.

I started a theater called Steppenwolf. We’ve been very supportive of the veterans there.

You’ve got to keep taking certain risks, because my priority is in acting, it’s not in movie stardom.