Hollywood stars who surpassed my limits.
Americans are well aware of the Hollywood legends who not only entertained us but also served in the U.S. Armed Forces. From Jimmy Stewart to Paul Newman, Charles Bronson to Humphrey Bogart, and Charlton Heston, these stars became American institutions and portrayed tough-guy heroes on screen. However, there are other stars who may not be known for their on-screen bravado but have also served in the military. On Veterans Day, it’s important to recognize their contributions.
Rob Riggle
Rob Riggle, the veteran SNL funnyman, has become a constant comedy presence in shows like “Modern Family” and movies like “Step Brothers” and ”The Hangover.” But before diving into his breakneck pace in the entertainment industry, Riggle served 23 years with the U.S. Marines. His service included active-duty years in Liberia, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Albania. Riggle has spoken about how invaluable his time in the military was to his personal growth, saying, “They pushed me beyond my perceived limits… so whatever I thought I was capable of, the Marines said, ‘Actually, you can do a whole lot more when pushed.’ And they were right.”
Adam Driver
Adam Driver, known for his intense performances, including his upcoming role in the Michael Mann drama “Ferrari,” signed up to defend his country shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He has expressed pride in his military service, calling it one of the things he’s most proud of in his life. Driver served nearly three years before a mountain bike injury forced him to accept a medical discharge. Despite his desire to serve overseas in Iraq, he couldn’t due to the injury.
Drew Carey
Drew Carey, the wisecracking host of “The Price Is Right,” has routinely supported the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. He served his country for six years as a field radio operator with the 25th Marine Regiment in Ohio, eventually attaining the rank of sergeant. Carey began penning jokes for military stand-up performances during his service, which paved the way for his post-Marine life.
Ice-T
Ice-T, the veteran rapper turned actor, is now a long-standing member of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” portraying hard-working police officers. As a young man, he joined the Army to get his life in order. Ice-T briefly misbehaved during his four-year stint in the 25th Infantry Division but was able to bounce back and complete his service. He also used his military time to pursue his passion for music, picking up equipment that would later contribute to his rap career.
Pat Sajak
Before becoming the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak shouted “Good Morning, Vietnam” into a mic during his days in the U.S. Military. Initially trained as a finance clerk, Sajak later found his calling as a DJ for the American Forces Vietnam Network. Although he felt some shame attached to his “soft” service, Sajak took solace in the positive reaction from fellow soldiers who appreciated his broadcasts for making them feel closer to home.
Mel Brooks
Mel Brooks, one of the funniest men alive, lived through the Battle of the Bulge. Drafted into the Army in 1944, Brooks helped clear the battlefield of land mines to allow Allied soldiers to push forward. He even saw combat during his service. Brooks would go on to use his comedic talents to satirize the Third Reich in his classic comedy “The Producers.”
These stars, along with many others, have not only entertained us but also made significant contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces. On Veterans Day, let’s remember and honor their service.
In what ways has Pete Buttigieg’s military experience influenced his leadership style and political career
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Drew Carey, the beloved comedian and host of “The Price is Right,” may be best known for his quick wit and laughter-inducing jokes, but he also served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Carey enlisted in the military at the age of 18 and spent six years in the service. He has spoken about his experience and how it shaped him, saying, “The military taught me discipline, responsibility, and the importance of teamwork. It was a life-changing experience that I will always be grateful for.”
Montel Williams
Famous for his long-running talk show, Montel Williams has had a successful career in the entertainment industry, but his accomplishments go beyond that. Prior to his television career, Williams served in the U.S. Marine Corps for over 20 years. He joined the military in 1973 and became the first black marine selected to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Williams has been vocal about his military service and has used his platform to advocate for veterans’ rights and support for troops.
Pete Buttigieg
Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, gained national attention during the 2020 presidential race. While he may be known for his political career, Buttigieg also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He enlisted in 2009 and served as an intelligence officer in Afghanistan for seven months in 2014. Buttigieg has discussed how his military experience influenced his leadership style and his desire to serve his country in different capacities.
These are just a few examples of the many stars who not only made their mark in the entertainment industry but also dedicated their time to serving their country. On Veterans Day, it is essential to recognize and honor the contributions and sacrifices of these individuals and all veterans. They have shown bravery both on and off the screen, and their commitment to protecting and defending our country should not be overlooked.
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