13 Famous African Americans That Are Also Proud Veterans – See If You Know Who They Are

Esteemed veterans

The following renowned African Americans are also esteemed veterans.

Shaggy

Shaggy: Shaggy’s remarkable talent extends beyond his music creations to his proud service as a veteran. Enlisting in the US Marine Corps in 1988, Shaggy pursued the MOS of Field Artillery Cannon Crewman, marking the beginning of his military journey.

Operation Desert Storm

During his more than three years of active duty, Shaggy played a significant role in Operation Desert Storm, showcasing his dedication and commitment to his military service. His service included a notable five-month deployment to Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991, highlighting his bravery and contribution to the mission.

Musical creations

As we look forward to the future, we anticipate that this dancehall sensation will continue to bless us with many more extraordinary musical creations, enriching the music industry with his unique talents and vibrant energy.

MC Hammer

MC Hammer: Prior to rising to fame as a prominent figure in the pop music and hip-hop realms of the early 1990s, he embarked on a significant chapter of his life by serving in the United States Navy.

Navy experience

During his tenure from 1981 to 1984, his Navy experience instilled in him a blend of responsibility and enjoyment, shaping his character and laying a strong foundation for his future success in the music industry. This unique blend of discipline and creativity has played a pivotal role in ensuring that MC Hammer remains on a steady trajectory of growth, distinguishing him from many other rappers worldwide.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman has delivered captivating narration and portrayed a significant role in many timeless classics, including “The Shawshank Redemption.” His voice guided audiences through the emotional journey of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank State Penitentiary.

Unmatched narrations

While Morgan Freeman is renowned for his captivating performances and unmatched narrations. He also served in the Air Force. He commenced his military tenure in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1959 with the rank of a first-class airman. During his Air Force service, he specialized as a radar technician and underwent training to qualify as a fighter jet pilot.

Fighter pilot

Despite his initial enthusiasm for aviation, Freeman realized his burgeoning passion for the arts superseded his aspirations of becoming a fighter pilot. He acknowledged that his military background significantly influenced his acting approach, a factor that undoubtedly contributed to his esteemed status in the film industry.

Ice-T

Actor and rapper Ice-T served in the U.S. Army. Between 1977 and 1981, Ice-T served as a soldier in the 25th Infantry Division stationed in Hawaii before transitioning to the entertainment realm. His military background instilled in him traits of discipline and structure, characteristics that permeate both his personal and professional lives.

Berry Gordy Jr

Visionary Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy Jr, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951. His military tenure during the Korean War showcased his unwavering patriotism. Remarkably, while fulfilling his military duties, Gordy nurtured an entrepreneurial spark, seeking innovative ways to serve his country.

Discharge

Upon his discharge in 1953, he found employment at the Ford Motor Company in Detroit. For many, this phase might have dashed their aspirations; however, Gordy’s resilience and vision thrived in this environment, fostering his entrepreneurial spirit. With a $700 loan from his father, Gordy established Motown Records, a pivotal institution in American music history, honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. This iconic music label significantly influenced the American music landscape, birthing legendary talents like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, among others.

David Robinson

NBA hall of famer David Robinson began his journey unfolds from graduating with a mathematics degree from the US Naval Academy to serving as a civil engineer in the U.S. Navy. Prior to his basketball moniker as “The Admiral,” David fulfilled a vital role in the Navy as a professional in the Public Works Department in Washington, DC. During his six-year tenure in the U.S. Navy, he took on responsibilities as a recruiter and advocate in anti-drug campaigns.

Basketball stardom

Transitioning from his military service, David joined the Spurs in 1989, leveraging his real-world expertise from the Navy to propel himself into the realm of basketball stardom. His impact was immediate, leading the team to two NBA championships and earning accolades such as MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

James Earl

Actor James Earl Jones graduated from the University of Michigan and served during the Korean War. Jones’s military tenure from 1953 to 1955 showcased his exceptional dedication and prowess as a cadet. Serving as a member of the Pershing Rifles Drill Team and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade, he rose to the rank of second lieutenant at Fort Benning, with additional service at Camp Hale, Colorado. Upon entering the realm of Hollywood, James seamlessly translated his enriched military experiences into his performances, garnering both national and international acclaim.

Dedicated

Actor “Mr. T”, whose real name is Laurence Tureaud, dedicated three years of service to the country from 1975 to 1978. During his tenure in the U.S. Army Military Corps, Mr. T exhibited unwavering dedication and commitment, earning a commendation from his drill sergeant for his outstanding performance as an M.P. His contributions were lauded and respected within the U.S. Army.

Disciplined

Following his military service, Mr. T’s disciplined and purposeful life path led him to explore opportunities in the realms of wrestling and film, where he achieved notable success.

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix: The electrifying performances of Jimi Hendrix on the electric guitar have captivated audiences worldwide. This iconic guitarist not only mesmerized with his musical prowess but also answered the call to serve his country. Enlisted on May 31, 1961, Hendrix faced a pivotal decision from the government: military service or incarceration.

101st Airborne

Opting for the former, he joined the ranks of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Despite his intentions to complete the standard three-year term, an injury cut short his military service, leading to his honorable discharge after just one year.

Passion for music

Following his departure from the Army, Hendrix’s passion for music, honed during his off-duty moments of guitar playing, blossomed into a full-fledged career. Starting with performances on the chitlin’ circuit in Tennessee, his talent gradually garnered recognition, propelling him to legendary status as a guitarist.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor: The comedic genius of Richard Pryor was not just entertainment; it was a reflection of the harsh realities of institutionalized racism prevalent in American society during his time. Pryor’s stint in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960 provided him with firsthand experiences of confronting and speaking out against racial prejudices within this pivotal defense institution.

Darkly humorous

Upon completing his military service, Pryor channeled his observations and encounters with the dynamics between black and white soldiers into his darkly humorous routines. His speeches and declarations resonated powerfully, advocating for equality and challenging societal norms through his comedic lens.

Remi Adeleke

Remi Adeleke: Renowned for his prowess as a writer and motivational speaker, Remi Adeleke’s ability to seamlessly weave real-life experiences into fiction is truly exceptional. Adeleke’s narrative is enriched by the depth of his firsthand experiences as a former US Navy SEAL, a chapter of his life that began in 2002 and concluded with his honorable discharge in 2016.

Academic pursuit

Post his service in the defense realm, Adeleke embarked on a journey of academic pursuit, delving into a Master’s program in Organization Strategy. Today, he stands as a prominent figure in the realms of acting, motivational speaking, and writing, showcasing a diverse range of talents and accomplishments.

Adeleke’s autobiography

Even if you haven’t had the opportunity to witness his on-screen performances or delve into his literary works, we highly recommend immersing yourself in Adeleke’s autobiography. A compelling narrative tracing his path from the Bronx to Hollywood, it encapsulates a journey marked by resilience, perseverance, and ultimate triumph.

Colin Powell

Colin Powell: Colin Powell is a figure known to almost every American, not just for his distinguished roles as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of State, but also for his significant contributions to the nation as a military leader. Hailing from Jamaica, Powell pursued his education at the City College of New York while actively engaged in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Vietnam

His military service included two tours in Vietnam, spanning from 1962 to 1963 and 1968 to 1969, before furthering his education at George Washington University. Powell’s trajectory into the realm of defense politics was a natural progression, driven by his exceptional leadership acumen and profound understanding of modern warfare.

Achievements

Among his notable achievements, Powell’s ascent to the rank of four-star general, his tenure in the Armed Forces Command, service as the National Security Council staff member, and role as Carlucci in Ronald Reagan’s cabinet stand out as significant milestones in his illustrious career.

Montel Williams

Montel Williams: Prepare to be captivated if you’re a fan of the renowned TV show “The Montel Williams Show,” as the host, Montel Williams, not only excels as an entertainer but also embodies true patriotism. Williams embarked on his military journey by joining the United States Marine Corps in 1974, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his life.

Historic milestone

Following the completion of a year-long course at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, Williams achieved a historic milestone in 1975 by becoming the first African American Marine admitted into the four-year officer training program at the U.S. Naval Academy. The profound impact of his 22 years of military service is evident in the depth of his understanding of society, economics, warfare, and human nature, making the opportunity to glean insights from his experiences a privilege for all.

Sinbad

Sinbad: Before gaining fame for his comedic genius and iconic movie roles, Sinbad, whose real name is David Atkins, dedicated time to serving in the United States Air Force. His military role as a boom operator involved the critical task of refueling aircraft mid-flight. Interestingly, Sinbad’s comedic journey commenced prior to his military service, with his passion for comedy shining through even during his time in the Air Force. Notably, he showcased his comedic talents by participating in the Air Force’s Talent Contest in 1981.

Comedic aspirations

Upon his departure from the military, Sinbad wholeheartedly pursued his comedic aspirations, gradually attracting the attention of prominent producers and directors. This paved the way for a string of timeless comedic contributions, including the iconic “The Sinbad Show,” appearances in “A Different World,” “Jingle All the Way,” “Crazy as Hell,” and a host of other notable projects.