Famous Veterans: Then and Now

The following are some famous veterans in our nation’s history, including ones that maybe you didn’t even know about!

Dwight D. Eisenhower

1. Bio: Eisenhower attended the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, and he joined the Army in 1915. He rose through the ranks due to his impressive military strategic skills, becoming the Allied Supreme Commander during WWII and helped orchestrate the D-Day landings in 1944. Later, in 1953, he served two terms as President of the United States!

2. Achievements and Legacy: General Eisenhower’s legacy is proof of the hard work, sacrifice, and leadership the members of the military give to our country. From his appointment at West Point, through the railroads of France, to the battlefields of WWII, and finally in the Oval Office, he had America on his mind.

Credit: National Museum of the United States Army

Madison Marsh

1. Bio: Marsh graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2023 and is currently attending Harvard University to study cancer. From her time at USAFA, she is a 2nd Lt. and a certified pilot. In 2024, she was crowned Miss America (representing the state of Colorado), being the only active duty military personnel to ever be crowned. 

2. Achievements and Legacy: Marsh is an inspiration to many girls who see her as a role model, embodying strength, intelligence, and dedication. To possess such leadership and receive an education through a military academy (no small feat) and then to continue working for both the country and for her family, education, and fellow Americans, inspires me as a military brat to work hard and achieve my goals against any obstacles. 

Credit: Houston McCollough; Whitney Marsh Foundation

Sunny Anderson

1. Bio: Anderson grew up as a military brat (Army) and served in the Air Force as a radio broadcaster and journalist in South Korea and San Antonio, Texas. From there, she redirected her renowned journalism specialties to food, becoming a professional cook and Food Network channel personality from “The Kitchen.”

2. Achievements and Legacy: While transitioning out of the military, Anderson participated in forming strategies and programs that would help others like her find job opportunities upon leaving the military. Today, she advocates for veterans and proudly spreads awareness for veterans and the importance and value of being in the military, no matter commissioned (officer) or enlisted. Her emphasis on pride in being associated with the military has permeated many different communities and reminds me to be proud of who I am and where I want to go. 

Credit: Food Network's Healthy Eats

Bob Ross

1. Bio: Ross enlisted in the Air Force in 1961 as an 18 year old and served for 20 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. The sights he saw in his years of service later inspired his paintings, such as from his position as First Sergeant in Alaska, where he saw the mountains that are featured in many of his paintings. His love of painting, miraculously, was cultivated at military bases' USOs.

2. Achievements and Legacy: Bob Ross’s legacy serves as a prime illustration (pun intended) of the variety of opportunities and doors open to military affiliates. I reflect on how much military life has shaped me and given me passions and interests that I never would have discovered without it and a gateway to a unique and exciting world. We all look at Bob Ross and see a kind, creative, and talented TV personality, and we now know that he served his country and grew his career from his military service. 

Credit: Eric Milzarski

Although we are neither appointed nor enlisted in the military, we still help our parents and family carry our country. These veterans found something great in their military service and are role models to many. 

We can be too.