Military Veteran Actors on the Rise!
This is a list of great actors that are an asset to any production. Hard-working, dedicated and responsible are just some of the qualities you will find with a Veteran actor!
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Michael Broderick was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for True Detective (2014), NCIS: Hawai'i (2021) and Power (2014). He has been married to Dana Commandatore since 2000. They have one child.- Actor
- Producer
- Stunts
- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Jeff Bosley is a film and television actor with extensive background and training originating on the stage where he was nominated, and won, many awards and accolades including the Theatre Recognition Award, the Theatre Service Award and 2 nominations for Best Actor.
His current work and projects have earned him major roles transporting him to international movie sets and Cannes Film Festival Screenings. His indie feature film 'Parallax' (which he starred in and produced) has been making the festival rounds for the last several years with 11 awards as of December 2020- including winner of Best Actor, Best Producer, Best Short Film and Best Thriller.
During his years in theatre performing on stage Jeff's studies focused on The Meisner Technique. As he transitioned to film & television his education expanded to Stanislavski's 'Method' while studying for nearly 5 years at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Conservatory. He continues to train and study at Strasberg, the American Film Institute, the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory and multiple studios in the Los Angeles area.
Proud theatre geek turned Army Special Forces Green Beret, turned 'Medal of Valor'-earning firefighter and now back to actor, Jeff puts in every ounce of life experience he can which translates to all he does on screen as an actor and behind the camera as a director and producer.- Will is a native of Chicago Illinois who moved to Orlando for freshman yr and later spent sophomore and junior yr in LA. Senior yr was back in Orlando before he joined the US Army. He served for 7 yrs (97-04) and attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5 SGT) He was stationed @ Ft Jackson, SC (Alpha Company, 1-61 Battalion) for basic training; Ft Eustis, VA (Echo Company, 8th Training Brigade) as a Transportation Management Coordinator or "88 November"; he then went back to Orlando for 6 months as a reservist while serving under his recruiters for the "hometown recruiter program". Successfully mentoring and helping other former classmates become soldiers who proudly serve till this day.
Will went active duty and was assigned to the 491st Automated Cargo Documentation Detachment (ACDD) and served in Duress, Albania during "Operation Shining Hope" and "Task Force Hawk" in 1999 during the Kosovo War. After returning to Ft Eustis, he was assigned to the 837th Transportation Battalion, Military Traffic Management Command in Pusan, South Korea in 2000. While assigned in Korea, he was part of the redeployment team during "Operation Cobra Gold" in Hatyai, Thailand. When he came back from the redeployment, he was sent back to Ft Eustis, VA and assigned to the Headquarters Post Company, 765th Transportation Battalion, 8th Training Brigade. There he worked at the Directorate of Logistics where he worked in the Installation Transportation Office or better known as the "ITO". Better known to his soldiers as "SGT TJ" was a part of the deployment team that sent over 35,000 troops, both active duty and reserves, to Kuwait to start the Iraq War. Will had his first daughter in December of 2004.
Will was in the process of getting out of the military and decided that the powers that be would prefer he chose another profession so he thought "what could I do to make a LOT of money for the LEAST amount of work?....THATS IT! ILL BE AN ACTOR!!!" He figured it couldn't be as hard as serving in the military...boy was he wrong! He googled acting conservatories in Los Angeles and found the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood. Will was then informed that he would have to get his transcripts from Orlando sent to Hollywood so he could meet an administrator from New York for an audition in DC! (yeah it was that serious! lol) Thinking "if any of this isn't meant to be, SOMETHING will fall thru the cracks and it wont happen" well all the hoops were jumped and the school board in Orlando offered to send the records directly to the Academy...I KNOW AWESOME RIGHT?!! So Will then went to DC to audition for the Academy at the Doubletree in downtown DC. Everything went well and Will was told he would be contacted if he was considered for a slot in the fall. Later that week, Wills grandmother, Luz Maria Lozano, was having open heart surgery and she didn't make it through the recovery process. Will jumped on an emergency flight to Chicago to bury his grandmother. SGT Tijerina placed his first set of dog-tags in the coffin with his grandmother and whispered to her "Im leaving my career plans in your hands literally abuelita...ayudame por favor" (help me please) Dona Luz was buried and SGT TJ went back to Ft Eustis. The following Monday, SGT TJ was informed he would be out of the Army on the 10th of May. Something told him to call the Academy to find out the status of his application and he was told by _____ (not a rat! lol) that "I cant say if you made it or not, but ALL I can say is when you get your WELCOME PACKET...please fill it out and return it ASAP!" So the 10th of May SGT TJ became Will Tijerina for good! After serving proudly for 7 yrs, that chapter was closed and became a big part of his history (as you can see) ;)
Will attended AADA for 2 yrs and was invited back to attend the 3rd yr. Things didn't work out logistically for Wills paperwork to attend the 3rd yr, go figure...He served 7 yrs in the Army being part of Logistics and his paperwork didn't get taken care of in time for his 3rd yr attendance. So Will went into the acting world as a professional classically trained actor in May of 2006! He then booked a National Tour with NASA and Honeywell called "FMA Live" www.fmalive.com as one of the hosts. So instead of paying another $15k to perform, Will was paid as much to tour the country teaching middle school kids about Sir Isaac Newtons "3 laws of motion"
Will had his second daughter in 2009 during a traumatic period in his life. Will then took some time off and moved back to Orlando to "regroup". Coming back home in Oct 2010, Will has been back in the acting scene and hitting auditions hard and working to make ends meet as an automobile re possessor helper and currently as a Sales Order associate for Herbalife.
Since Wills graduation, he has been featured on a couple of shows for TruTV called "Murder by the book"; a commercial for Boost Mobile called "Chirpees", Wendys commercials as one of the 3 window washers for the Spanish market; an independent film called "Addicts"; a print ad for T-Mobile; and a number of student films for USC one of which has become a popular student film called "Misdemeanors Revenge"...Many more credits to come and added to the bio... - Actress
- Producer
- Casting Department
Veronica Wayne is a proud veteran and vocal advocate for the military veteran community. Veronica is originally from Grand Forks, North Dakota and grew up in military family.
Veronica's entrance into the entertainment business was unconventional as her military skills were used on shows like Invasion, Jericho and NCIS working with military consulting groups. At 19, she joined the United States Navy and was shipped off to boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. She spent four years in the Navy and was stationed at NAS Ocean with VF-32 Swordsman and later, was transferred to Personnel Support Detachment Pearl Harbor. While in the military, she worked as an aircraft mechanic, in disbursing, aviation fuels and computers. Veronica was a member of the Ford Island Honor Guard as a special duty assignment while stationed at Pearl Harbor. During her tour on the Truman, with VF-32 she deployed in support of Operation Southern watch as the relieving battle group for the USS Cole. Veronica joined the Air Force Reserve working in aviation bulk fuels and attended the C-School for Laboratory Fuels. Veronica deployed again as a fuels lab technician in support of Operation Enduring freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veronica also deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 as part of a combat communications squadron working as a computer specialist. Veronica separated honorably from the service as a Staff Sargent after serving thirteen years and earning the following awards: Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, NATO Medal (among others).
Following her service, Veronica graduated Suma Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a 4.0 in Interdisciplinary Studies and holds an associate degree from Hawaii Pacific University in Supervisory Leadership as well as an associate degree from Community College of the Air Force in Logistics.
Veronica is a proud member Alpha Delta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. She volunteers in her community by mentoring veterans looking to enter film and television, assisting veterans with filing disability claims and through raising funds for the award winning and Congressionally recognized non-profit Pin-Ups for Vets, to donate much needed rehab equipment for our nation's veterans. Veronica believes in the power of volunteerism and giving back to the community. Veronica also participates in the PGA Hope program and is actively involved in charity golf tournaments to help raise funds for the program.- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Roberto Garcia was born in Mexico but moved to Southern California as a child and was raised in San Fernando Valley. During his senior year at Birmingham High School, he enrolled with the US Marines at 17. Upon his high school graduation, he did his basic training at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot (MCRD) in San Diego, Ca., and was stationed at Camp Pendleton for the duration of his contract. During his Marine career, he was assigned to Alpha Company 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, formed around the LAV-25 an 8 wheeled combat vehicle weapons system.
During his time with Alpha Co., he trained in a myriad of skills as a LAV mechanic and reconnaissance infantry scout, including Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT), logistics, communications, Emergency Medical Tech and various duties that helped shape the line company of a reconnaissance unit. In 2003, 1st Marine Division was activated to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His unit, Alpha Co. 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance, was part of a Regimental Combat Team (RCT) and was one of the first to cross the line of departure from Kuwait and led the division in the lightning drive towards Bagdad, Iraq.
Alpha Co. was involved in human extractions and providing security escorts for different elements of the Department of Defense along with high-risk informants who provided valuable intelligence to Allied forces. Also, during this period, his unit participated in various humanitarian missions. It provided security for national elections and also took part in training the initial wave of Iraqi police for that local area of SE of Baghdad. Alpha Co. was tasked with disposing of unexploded ordinance that were set as traps against the Allied forces and were hazardous to the local communities.
During one of his numerous operations in Iraq, he was wounded in action and received a Purple Heart for his injuries on the battlefield. Following his combat tour completion, he was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and thus starting his career in the Entertainment industry as a Military Tactical Advisor, Stunt Performer, Stunt Coordinator, and Actor.- Actress
- Producer
- Director
Drea Garcia served 6 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps working in Aviation and a brown belt Martial Arts Instructor. After being honorably discharged, she returned home to Oakland, CA. She relocated to Los Angeles after being accepted into collage to complete her Bachelor's of Science in Aviation. While in college, she took classes at Upright Citizens Brigade on the weekends. After graduation, she returned to college to study theater. She landed roles in features and national commercials. From JEEP's Halftime SUPER BOWL commercial with OPRAH WINFREY to PEPSI's NFL KICKOFF.
Garcia moved to television and landed roles on CODE BLACK, CRIMINAL MINDS and ANGIE TRIBECA before deciding to try producing. She produced BREAKING THE SILENCE with an all-female cast and crew of mostly military Veterans. This inspired Garcia to apply and be accepted into the Masters Degree program in Producing at the American Film Institute Conservatory. Her thesis film BASS REEVES staring Tory Kittles and Lance Reddick went on to win several major awards. Garcia conjointly received her MFA while appearing on SCORPION, GREY'S ANATOMY and SHAMELESS. While on GENERAL HOSPITAL, Garcia received her acceptance to be a voting member of the Television Academy. Garcia works at the Writers Guild Foundation for the Veterans Writing Program.
She's a humanitarian in her spare time. Volunteers in South Africa at the International Primate Sanctuary with rescued monkeys and Thailand where she rehabilitates elephants.- Actor
- Producer
- Sound Department
Scott Levy has starred in film, television, video games and music videos following his service as a Stinger missile gunner in the United States Marine Corps. On film, Scott played the lead role alongside Vanilla Ice in The Helix... Loaded, a parody of The Matrix. He has also acted in Kecksburg, The Serpent, The Dentros with Mariette Hartley, Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged: Who Is John Galt? and as a Marine in Afghanistan in The Submarine Kid. On television, Scott has had roles in, The Agency, 24: Legacy, Sniper: Inside the Crosshairs, The Eric André Show, Crisis: New York Under Water and many others. Scott has also lent his motion capture and vocal talents to video games including, Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel, Battlefield 4, Battlefield Hardline, Devil's Third and Medal of Honor: Warfighter which led to starring in Linkin Park's Castle of Glass music video.- Producer
- Actor
- Director
Dotan Baer, born in Jerusalem, Israel; Dotan Ya'akov Ben Moshe Ze'ev to Moshe and Ruth Ze'ev, has brought his military and intellectual genius to Hollywood. After graduating a Golden Key National Honor Society Member, receiving a bachelor's degree in finance at Florida Atlantic Univeristy, Boca Raton, Florida where he was chosen as Cosmo's Bachelor of the Year, worked an Aaron Spelling commercial as a Marine, landed role to work with Oliver Stone as the mascot for Any Given Sunday, along with his first comedy role in Smoking Stogies all in one year - came to Los Angeles to try his hand in Hollywood.
Using the training that received in the US Army 1st of the 75th Airborne Ranger, he focused his attention where it is most beneficial; working alongside a troupe of trained military experts and industry professionals, where selected by Tactical Media to help a band of cadre provide Military and Tactical Film Services. The company provides technical advise to ensure a tactically flawless production. Countless films and television shows have benefited from the knowledge and work his team of connections and networks bring to set.
His representation, Associated Artists, managed by Anthony Santos and Evan Owen, has now become a legitimate in house production entity within the entertainment industry.
Most recently Dotan accepted appointment as Minority Leader of the Small Business Advisory Council, for the state of California, his second year since being appointed Honorary Chairman for the Republican National Congressional Committee Business Advisory Council.
His film acting resume includes bit roles in feature films such as "Lifted", The Day the Earth Stood Still", "Depth Charge", "Warwolves", "Lions for Lambs", "Stop Loss", "Any Given Sunday", "Smokin' Stogies", co-starring roles in films including "American Son", "The Bank Job", "Ill Be There With You", "My Happiness", "It's a Wonderful Death", and "America's Funniest Dirty Jokes".
Not only has Dotan graced the big screen, he has also been seen on television working alongside veterans and stars on the hit shows; The Nine, Bones, Criminal Minds, NCIS, The Unit, 24, Numb3rs. His most recent LA theater production was "Dogs of Summer" a remake of Quentin Tarantino's film "Reservoir Dogs" and has also been in The Philadelphia Story, The Night of January 16th,My Three Angels, The Love Connection, and Death Is In AIDS.- Producer
- Actor
- Writer
Keith Johnson was born on 3 March 1966 in Sacramento, California, USA. He is a producer and actor, known for Broken (2021), Karmic and Rescuing Rachel (2015). He has been married to Bonnie Gillespie since 16 June 2005. They have one child.- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Stunts
David McDivitt was born on 27 December 1968 in Santa Rosa, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Pineapple Express (2008), Over There (2005) and Erased (2008).- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Jerry Della Salla, is an Army Combat veteran who served 12 months with the 18th MP Battalion, and 306th MP Unit - OIF3.
He studied with Stella Adler and is a graduate of the NYU Tisch Drama Program.
He co-starred with the late Victor Argo in his last film- Personal Sergeant (2004).
He co-starred opposite Matt Damon in the Green Zone (2010), Directed by Paul Greengrass.
Performed with Edward Norton Off-Broadway in 'Waiting For Lefty', at the Kampo Cultural Center, NYC (1992).
Performed with Peter Dinklage in 'Taming of the Shrew', at the NJ Shakespeare Festival (1993).
Boxed as an Amateur in the NJ Diamond gloves, under the Training of Hall of Fame coach Tex Gonzalez.
He was good friends with the late comedic actor Orson Bean, after the two met at a popular church in Santa Monica, CA in 2011. Bean was also responsible for recommending Della Salla to the award winning Pacific Resident Theater, in Venice, CA. Della Salla has been a company member there since 2013.- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Born in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Doc King is a dual citizen who earned the rank of Sergeant and two Purple Hearts as a US Army Medic. He then served as a Peace Officer in Washington State before returning to his artistic roots and graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts New York. While studying under the likes of Jonathon Bolt, Susan Pilar and Barbara Rubin, Doc enjoyed such roles as Eddie in Sam Shepard's 'Fool For Love', Hal Carter in William Inge's 'Picnic', and his personal favorite Roo Webber in Ray Lawler's 'Summer of the Seventeenth Doll' which required the use of phonetics to learn an Australian accent.
In 2014, Doc's title character in 'The Life and Death of Tommy Chaos & Stacey Danger' (directed by Michael Lukk Litwak) made a splash on the festival circuit and, in 2015, his feature documentary 'Project 22' aired on PBS-SOPTV after more than 250 screenings nationwide. His latest role is Jack in Daniel J. Egbert's 'There's Something In The Trunk' which will premiere at festivals in 2018.
Doc holds an Associate's Degree in Acting, a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and is an MFA Candidate in Screenwriting (2019). Doc is a member of Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME) and the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG-AFTRA).- Actor
- Producer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Born in California Jeffrey Fellin lived in Colorado as a teenager, and after spending four years in the US Air Force, finished college and became a helicopter pilot in the US Army.
After five years flying medical helicopters he headed to Hollywood to become an actor. He has appeared in numerous short films and commercials
Although he is best known as an actor, he also an accomplished writer, director and producer.
Jeffrey is also an accomplished athlete and has competed in a dozen national fencing championships, coached for twelve years, and had his own fencing club.
He is President of Perfect Village Productions.
He lives with his wife Pam in Los Angeles California and Kansas City Missouri.