So who comes to your mind when you think of famous US veterans?, Well, most people would think of Jack Churchill, George S. Patton or Audie Murphy. However, there are a few other veterans in the U.S who are much more famous. Well, these veterans might not have been all Captain America on the battlefield, but their fame came after they had gotten out of the military. However, they still wore uniforms and fought hard for our great nation, and for that, they deserve a lot of respect.

Back in the day, a lot of celebrities served in various military sections, while for some of the service was more for the show, for others it was a matter of national security and a chance to do good for their nation. Well, the following 15 celebrities are famous, they have done great things for their country, and they have only one thing in common, they all served for the military at some point in their lives. Some of these celebrities have gone ahead and even used their military training and skills to further their careers, while others in this list received their training in the military as a springboard for a life of fame. In case you were wondering, here are 15 celebrities you did not know served in the military.

Shaggy

Well, this was a surprise, Orville Richard, also known as Shaggy, was born in Jamaica but joined the United States Marines after moving to New York City where he lived with his mother. He eventually found himself in the Gulf war after two years. He served in the Marines as a field artillery cannon crewman. Like all veterans, the experience wasn’t as rosy as the movies make it sometimes. After that, he was more than determined to make it in the music industry. By 1993 Shaggy had released his first album with a hit song “Oh Carolina", which became one of the biggest hits in the U.K. He went ahead and released “Hot Shot” that rose to No.1 on Billboard. He was once quoted during an interview stating that his military life is what prepared him for his music. He is still loyal to the troops and occasionally performs for them with the USO.

Adam Driver

Is it a requirement to have worked in the military to feature in Star Wars? Well, Adam driver is not only famous for Star Wars, he has had his fair share of airplay as well. Adam Driver was the villain in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, he played Adam Sackler in Girls on HBO. However, very few people actually know that Adam Driver enlisted in the U.S Marines after 9-11. According to an article on Millitary.com, Adam worked harder than your average recruit and was looking forward to getting deployed. Sadly he never got deployed because he had an injury on his sternum and had to be medically discharged. After that, he went to The Juilliard School, studied drama and started his career on Broadway. He is still connected to his comrades in the army even after his fame. It’s rumoured that when he is not out acting, he is working with non-profit organizations in the military.

Pat Sajak

We all know who he is. Pat Sajak is known for hosting one of the longest running reality television shows in the US called Wheel of Fortune. However, very few people know this, that before he was ever known as a well-dressed host of this show, he was serving in Vietnam. Just like Adam Driver, he never really got the chance to see any combat, although he had been stationed in Saigon. Pat Sajak was the DJ on the Armed forces radio network. Well, doesn’t sound like he served. However, his biggest stunt as the DJ at that time was cutting of President’s Nixon’s Christmas speech back in 1969. Sajak felt his job was a bit cushy, which made him a little guilty. His comrades would thank him when they came in from the battlefield, for offering them some sort of entertainment when all was grim.

Rob Riggle

Well, if there is a celebrity who did well in their current career and still kicked some butt in the army, then it has to be Ron Riggle. He almost made a career being in the military. Well, before the former The Daily Show presenter was ever making jokes on television, he served in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Liberia. According to his superiors, his bravery was duly noted. You’ve probably seen him in the Hangover, The Other Guys, and even 21 Jump Street. During his time at the army, he earned 20 medals commendations due to his heroism and bravery during combat. He continued serving in the army, making it to lieutenant colonel. He went ahead and served in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves as a public affairs officer until he finally retired in 2013. He has served more than 20 years in the army.

Elvis Presley

It’s no surprise Elvis Presley was in the army; he was a sort of superhuman when it came to hits. Well, in the late 50’s Elvis took a break from warming the hearts of millions of Americans with his music and decided that it was time he joined the army, and do something patriotic. Elvis had been drafted before and even underwent vigorous training by the Navy and Air Force, he, however, chooses to join the army. According to reports filed by his platoon leader, Elvis did not want any special treatment while on duty. He even made it to sergeant, but before being discharged honourably after a span of two years. Elvis outdid himself, carried his weight, and earned some respect from his comrades, who clearly thought he was great. He still recorded while serving his country too.

Gal Godot

Well, who would have thought that a beautiful actress and model was once in the Army? Well, if you’ve watched Wonder Woman then you would understand how surprising this is. Gal Godot is the pretty actress who played Wonder Woman, and is, actually a weapons expert. Gal Godot, a former Miss Israel, actually served two years in the Israel Defense Forces. She acknowledges that this experience actually prepared her for her career in action movies. Gal Godot has a lot to be proud of because she’s simply incredible. Plus she’s a mom too. She’s so good she does her own stunts. In Israel, military service is mandatory for both men and women. While in military training, Godot was a combat trainer, but as a soldier, she also learned several aspects of being in the military. Her training earned her a spot in Fast and the Furious.

Ice-T

Tracy Marrow, that’s the name that is found in his ex-military records, is better known as actor and rapper Ice-T today. He had a tough childhood, losing both his parents while still very young. Unlike most teens back in the day, Ice-T did not smoke or drink; he, however, did affiliate himself with the Crips. After he and his girlfriend gave birth to a baby girl, he felt he needed to support his family, and he did the sweetest thing by enlisting in the Army. Being in the Army had a positive effect on his life, he was able to purchase music equipment and kick-start his music career. He served in the Army for four years before moving to Hollywood where he landed a record deal. Controversially his biggest hit was “Cop Killer.”

Drew Carey

Bet you know Drew Carey from The Price is Right and as the star of the Drew Carey Show. Well, Drew Carey was once a U.S Marine too. He served for six years in the Marine Corps Reserves. The 59-year-old celebrity who attended Kent State started doing stand-up comedy during his tenure at the Marine Corps Reserves. He later established himself in entertainment by spearheading the US version of the UK Improv comedy show, Whose Line is it Anyway? He even helped recruit rising star Wayne Brady at that time. Brady and his former co-host Ryan Stiles still run the show as co-executives, and it’s now on CW. Brady still does USO shows for the Military, and he admits that if comedy hadn’t worked for him, he would still be serving today.

James Blunt

The “You are beautiful” songwriter and singer was once in the British Army as a Reconnaissance Office. He was also the first ever NATO soldier to head out to Kosovo for a peacekeeping mission. James Blunt recorded most of his experiences in the Army with his handheld camera (apart from the gory experiences of course). According to his account, there was no justification for whatever happened, he felt it was murder on a mass scale, and he described it as desperately sad. After he was done with his military service, he began to perform at festivals and in bars. And while this is hard to believe, James Blunt was in fact discovered by Carrie Fisher. Well, from there, there was no turning back for the emotionally injured musician. "You are Beautiful" made number 1 in 10 countries all over the world, and his album sold over 20 million copies.

Jimi Hendrix

Well, Jimi Hendrix is quite the interesting fellow, because he had a choice, but he still chose the Army. As a teen in Seattle, he got into trouble with the law. He had a choice, do time or join the Military. After deciding that jail was not the place for him, he was sent to Fort Campbell in Kentucky. He was part of 101^st Airborne Division. Jimi Hendrix still played the guitar while in the Army, something that bothered his comrades; since he would play it all night when he was off duty (he probably sucked then). According to Military.com, Hendrix wasn’t focused on his duties like he ought to have been, that resulted in an ankle injury during one of his parachute jumps, and he had to be honorably discharged. Well, Hendrix went on to become one of the best guitar players the world has seen.

Maynard James Keenan

Maynard James Keenan as you might already know is the lead singer of the famous rock band Tool. Well before he got so good at spitting lyrics to enchanting rock crowds around the globe, he was in the Army. Now, the musician is worth close to $45 million. Maynard James Keenan credits his success in the music industry to his Army years. According to the Rolling Stone magazine, Maynard James Keenan confessed that he decided to join the Army after watching the movie Stripes. He added that being in the army taught him how to embrace the warrior in him that helped him compete against himself, which in the long run, helped him achieve his objectives. He is quite the ambitious fella, because he currently is involved in the wine business.

Mystikal

Mystikal hailed from New Orleans, and he enlisted in the Army right after finishing high school and was active during the Desert Storm. It's not clear whether Mystikal was discharged honorably, but after he got back home to New Orleans, he went deep into his music and rap career. He later joined Bigboy records back in 1994, ending up at Master P’s Label, No Limit. While at No Limit, he made his biggest hit “Danger” that was number 1 on the RnB charts. In 2004, trouble came knocking, and Mystikal and a few of his crew members were arrested for physical assault. He got a six-year sentence and sadly had to register as an offender in the state of Louisiana.  He turned himself in sometime last year for yet another physical assault issue.

Dr. Ruth

She has been known as the love doctor and got quite a lot of fame for it. However, that’s not all she is handy for, because she also knows her way around a sniper rifle. Here’s something shocking you need to know about Dr. Ruth, while back in Israel, 16-year-old Dr. Ruth trained as a sniper. We all know what a sniper can do. During a recent interview with the famous doctor, she was asked between the two jobs which one seemed easier, well, it’s obvious what her answer was, she clearly doesn’t miss her younger years. She clearly loves her current job and wouldn’t give it up for a sniper rifle, but still, it’s quite exciting to learn that the aging doctor could pull a fast one in case of an emergency. Her children must feel safe.

James Doohan

Ever watched Star Trek? If you haven’t, then you must have had a very sad childhood. James Doohan was Scotty in Star Trek. Well, his story is a bit different from Dr. Ruth. He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Artillery. He was quite the soldier, and on D-day, he led his unit through the invasion of Normandy. Well, things weren't all that rosy for this celebrity veteran. After they had secured their position for the night, Doohan got shot while walking through command lines by friendly fire. A nervous colleague thought he was an enemy and shot at him six times, and he was lucky to survive after that scary episode. He clearly did not let that stop him since he went onto star in one of the most recognized shows of all time, permanently cementing his place in pop culture.

Don Rickles

Don’s story is interesting. After completing his high school, he took a train to Grand Central and enlisted in the Navy. He had previously tried enlisting as an entertainer but, well, his request was denied. He served in the Navy for two years on the USS Cyrene. During an interview, Don Rickles was asked if he cried or had an emotional moment after watching the end of Toy Story 3. He replied that he cried when he was accepted in the Navy, and that’s perhaps the last time he cried. As for Toy Story 3, he had this to say: “Did I cry? Give me a break.” Well, if you ask me, he doesn’t look like he cries a lot, but if he did cry while joining the Navy, then it must have been one hell of a task to get into the military back in the day.

Sources: thetalko.com, suggest.com, military.com