Bob Ross

Bob Ross
Image Credit: WikiMedia Commons

For those of you who know Bob Ross, then you’ve probably seen, heard, or even tried to place a few of those simple trees in your own artwork. Maybe you’ve found yourself deep in trances by his soothing soft voice. You may have even heard him mention stays in Alaska. Do you know why? One thing for sure, I bet many of you never pegged Bob Ross to have served in the military, nonetheless climb the ranks of the Air Force to achieve Master Sergeant, where yes he screamed, yelled, and drilled in some of the most demanding ways. No longer wanting to be that “guy,” Ross found himself starting his world renowned show, shortly after leaving the service.

Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Buster Keaton, drafted into the 40th Infantry Division in 1917, was already active in vaudeville when he entered the Army. He continued to perform vaudeville while he was in the service– his “Snake Dance,” in which he “charmed” a rope of sausage links, became a popular, frequently-requested act. This act was so well-received by one general that he lent his car and driver to Keaton. He had the driver stop at a party of his enlisted buddies and because of the general’s insignia on the car, Keaton’s pals thought they getting a surprise inspection.


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Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly
Image Credit: WikiMedia Commons

Funny man, actor, director, writer, let’s just say the whole package, Carl Reiner is best known for his show where he was the producer, writer, and actor of The Dick Van Dyke Show, which is only one of his many accomplishments. During the 1940’s the draft had all hands on deck and Reiner was drafted into the Army Air Force in 1943, where he unintendedly would climb to obtain corporal.

J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien
Image Credit: WikiMedia Commons / IMDB

J.R.R. Tolkien was an English poet and writer, best known for his fantastical works, “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” Tolkien is a war veteran and served with the British Expeditionary Force during World War I as Second Lieutenant in the 11th Battalion. He saw many bloody battles, including the Battle of Somme. Ultimately his poor health would end his war days. Tolkien was sent home after he contracted a chronic fever from lice that infested him.

Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Kris Kristofferson is a well-known movie star and musician. What is less known is that he has an impressive military career. Kristofferson identifies as a “military brat” since he traveled around a lot as a kid due to his dad’s military career. His father, Lars Kristofferson, was an Air Corps officer in the US Army. Kris got a degree from Pomona College and earned a scholarship to the prestigious Oxford University, but his parents pressured him into joining the army and marrying his high school sweetheart. He enlisted in 1960, becoming a helicopter pilot after completing Ranger School. He was offered a teaching position at West Point but turned it down so he could focus on his music. His family looked down on his decision to leave the Army and ultimately disowned him for it. Here is how he feels about our troops today: “I want you to know I’m an Army brat; I was a captain in the Army and my brother was a jet pilot in the Navy. So I support our troops; I identify with them. But I sure as hell don’t identify with the bastards who sent them over there.”

Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut
Image Credit: Shutterstock

The author of “Slaughterhouse Five”, an anti-war novel with elements of science fiction, served in the Army during World War II as an infantry battalion scout. Vonnegut was taken as a prisoner of war and survived the firebombing of Dresden, Germany by the Allied forces. His experiences as a POW were the inspiration for “Slaughterhouse Five” as well as other of his works.

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