Jesse Ventura
Jesse Ventura is a former professional wrestling and media personality who had distinguished career as a member of the U.S. Navy underwater demolition team during the Vietnam war. He did not see any active combat. He was frequently referred to as a Navy Seal, but he never completed the final training to become an actual Seal. He left the Navy and Vietnam in 1975 and started to build up his career as a wrestler from there.
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi did not enter the military because he wanted to; after getting busted for stealing a car, he was given a choice – the US Army or prison. He enlisted and got assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. Jimi expressed his feelings about serving in the army in a letter to his dad, “There’s nothing but physical training and harassment here for two weeks, then when you go to jump school, that’s when you get hell. They work you to DEATH, fussing and fighting.” His struggles were many, but thankfully he didn’t serve long. He was honorably discharged after one year due to an ankle injury sustained during a jump.
George Carlin
George Carlin was a member of the U.S. Air Force but apparently had a rough time in the military. He was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana as a radar technician. He was court martialed three times and received a general discharge, but his work as a disc jockey while on active duty was the jump start for his entertainment career.
Bob Ross
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, 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.