What celebrities have you met while serving?

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Tue, 20 May 2014 23:40:42 -0400

This is one that's just for fun.

I got called in, one day, to launch a VIP. That VIP turned out to be (then) VP George Bush.

Carlos Mencia, Gary Sinise, Gary Owens (younger comedian, not the one from Laugh-in).

Best celebrity story:
I was onboard the USS Stennis during a work up, and there was a filming crew aboard filming Transformers II. I was night check, I was walking through the hangar bay with my coffee cup (covered, of course)going to the mess deck to get coffee. I ducked under the wing of an F-18, and as I came up, I (literally) ran into Megan Fox, and knocked her on her (very small) ass. I apologized profusely, helped her up and went on to get my coffee.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 11:55 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 May 2014 23:55:08 -0400

Well played Rocky, that with Megan Fox.. two thumbs up!!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 21 at 2014 2:25 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Wed, 21 May 2014 02:25:18 -0400

Worked with Ricky Schroeder at Fort Irwin. He asked if anyone was old enough to remember him. Of course that meant I was about the only one qualified to be "that old".

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 2:32 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 02:32:12 -0400

We're developing a neuromodulation device with Montel Williams. Below is a pic from the CRADA signing.

http://www.army.mil/article/96521/

Mouth device in clinical trials as possible treatment for TBI

Researchers at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and NeuroHabilitation Corporation have created an electrode-covered oral device called a PoNS" to help treat patients with neural control issues.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 8:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 08:50:04 -0400

Miss America 2010 & 2011, Nick Lache, and Toby Keith

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 10:07 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 10:07:32 -0400

Gary Sinise and his band contribute a lot to the military providing tons of free shows and promotion. It's great to see celebrities like Gary Sinise, Toby Keith and others who display genuine support for the military

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 21 at 2014 10:13 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 21 May 2014 10:13:46 -0400

Toby Keith, Charlie Daniels, and Drew Carey. All huge supporters of the USO as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 12:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 12:38:57 -0400

I met the current Mr. Olympia Phil Heath, and The Most Interesting Man in the World.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 2:42 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 14:42:33 -0400

I saw the Ohio Players at the NCO Club at Ramstein, AB. FIRE!!!! Their instrumentals totally kicked butt. Big afros and very cool. While out in the civilian world I met Clint Black and Ronnie Milsap.

I have also met Jean Lynch and her son, who are in the Sprint Car Hall of Fame. Helped her with the weather back when I was working with Q-105. We simulcast on that station and Channel 32 out of Lakeland.

I do need some help with the VIPs that I know in the racing business. I may have a person who wants to help and need to call him in Raleigh, NC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 2:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 14:54:17 -0400

I wonder what Marine she was hanging out with...

Response by SSG John Bacon made May 21 at 2014 4:37 PM

SSG John Bacon — Wed, 21 May 2014 16:37:01 -0400

Filter (band), Curt Schilling, Kid Rock, Kellie Pickler, Zac Brown, Lewis Black, Dean Cain and President George W. Bush.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made May 21 at 2014 4:43 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Wed, 21 May 2014 16:43:45 -0400

Never met anyone famous while serving, every famous person I met was after I left active duty. I don't think anyone was too eager to visit 29 Palms, or the other holes I deployed to at the time.

Response by MSgt Gawian Middleton made May 21 at 2014 6:07 PM

MSgt Gawian Middleton — Wed, 21 May 2014 18:07:58 -0400

George Bush on 9/11, Robin Williams on a USO show, Gary Sinese, Leanne Tweeden, Joan Jett, Aaron Tippin, General Tommy Franks, the Rock and Roll Express (wrestlers).

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 22 at 2014 3:02 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 22 May 2014 15:02:24 -0400

President George Bush (the good one)

Charlie Daniels

Toby Keith

Several Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders

Senator Jack Reed from RI

give or take 2-3, most of the Army Chiefs of Staff during my tenure

Donald Rumsfeld

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 3:15 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 May 2014 15:15:14 -0400

My family got to meet Jeff Foxworthy when he came to entertain at the Norsk Hostfest in 2012. He popped up to the base to say, hi.

Response by GySgt Paul Hays made May 22 at 2014 3:39 PM

GySgt Paul Hays — Thu, 22 May 2014 15:39:49 -0400

Lou Rawls - MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
Kenny Rogers - La Guardia Airport, NY
Carol Channing - Memphis Airport, TN
Bob Barker, Los Angeles Airport, CA
Bill Cosby - La Guardia Airport, NY
Alan Alda - La Guardia Airport, NY
Donna Mills - Los Angeles Airport, CA
New Christy Minstrels - Somewhere in the South China Sea
Tiny Tim - MAU Camp, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made May 22 at 2014 5:57 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Thu, 22 May 2014 17:57:22 -0400

My Favorite all time celebrities while Command Master Chief Of USS Nashville were June Carter and Johnny Cash. They had been at a Change of Command for Johnny's Nephew Captain Roy Cash when he was relieved of Command on USS El Paso. As the Cash Couple came up to USS NAshville (LPD-13) they asked if they could tour our ship since it was named after the Music City. I was onboard and the Officer of the Deck asked if I would give them a tour, which I was thrilled to do. Both were down to earth and gracious, very friendly.

Gerald McRaney (Major Dad) came aboard in his Utilities, as part of a publicity shoot for his TV Series. As usual with VIPs, I was tasked to tour him. Once again he seemed to be very interested in the history and mission of our Gator and wanted to see everything he could.

Many Mayors and Celebrities also toured our ship as we hit overseas ports. Genoa, Naples, Marseilles, all of the mayors got special tours. During Fleet Week and the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in NYC, just about the entire NYC Police Department toured our Ship, along with countless civilians.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 6:04 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 May 2014 18:04:36 -0400

PO2 Kleeger I met Commander Richard Marcinko 1st Commanding Officer of SEAL TEAM SIX, Commanding Officer of SEAL TEAM TWO, Commanding Officer of Red Cell at a book signing for Rogue Warrior Task Force Blue. One Heck of a man!!! Motivating!!

Response by PO2 Michael Marie made May 22 at 2014 8:09 PM

PO2 Michael Marie — Thu, 22 May 2014 20:09:13 -0400

NFL does Camp Korean Village, Anbar, Iraq, compliments of the USO. 6'3" never felt so small!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made May 22 at 2014 10:20 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Thu, 22 May 2014 22:20:36 -0400

Stationed at Ft. Ord, I happened upon quite a few. I worked a bit for the Ft. Ord Panorama and broadcast sports on the KFO radio. One of my favorites was meeting Mr. Ansel Adams at the Sunset Center in Carmel.

I interviewed race car drivers Al Unser Jr, Teo Fabi, Rick Mears, Tom Sneva, and Mario Andretti. My volunteer work around the area let me meet golfers Lon Hinckle and Alan Tapie, and actors/performers Larry Wilcox, Bill Burrud, Paul Newman, Allen Funt, Mike Nesmith, and Clint Eastwood.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made May 23 at 2014 11:44 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Fri, 23 May 2014 11:44:05 -0400

Quite a few, almost none made a real impression. They were showing up to do USO-type stuff, did it, moved on.

The one exception was Arnie. As CA Gov, he visited my BDE while at NTC getting ready to deploy. While I know better, and I'm sure that there was a handler in the background having puppies, it didn't appear that he had anywhere else he would like to be, or anything he would rather be doing.

Response by MSG Sean Milhauser made May 23 at 2014 12:14 PM

MSG Sean Milhauser — Fri, 23 May 2014 12:14:00 -0400

Not sure if they fall into the category of "celebrities", but I did meet the wrestler Jon Cena and WWE "diva" Kelly Kelly when they visited our FOB in Iraq in 2008.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 24 at 2014 11:38 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 24 May 2014 11:38:39 -0400

Following my tour in Vietnam, I was assigned to Tripler Army Medial Center on Oahu, Hawaii, as the Special Services officer (until I pissed of my colonel - but that's another story).

One of my duties was to escort celebrities who visited the hospital to meet with the patients and cheer them up. Of them all, Gypsy Rose Lee was my favorite.

I always began every tour with having one of the patient's greet the celebrity with a traditional Hawaiian lei. Gypsy had thrown me off my game and I was only a short distance ahead of her when I asked a patient in a wheel chair "How would you like to 'lei' Gypsy Rose Lee."

He said he would be happy to as soon as he put on his legs. I hadn't noticed that he was a double amputee because of the blanket across his lap.

Gypsy jumped ahead of me and climbed onto his lap and told him to sit right there.

As we made the rounds, SOP was for a enlisted man to take Polaroid pictures of the celebrity with patients to be autographed. Gypsy climbed into beds with them and whispered lasciviously, "Now you can say you were in bed with Gypsy Rose Lee." It didn't matter that she was as old as most of their grandmothers, Gypsy was still in her prime and always got a smile with that line.

Unfortunately, Red Cross volunteers always insinuated themselves between the patients and the celebrities during these visits and we never got as far as we should have. Tripler was a 1500 bed hospital (that's huge for those who don't keep up with such things).

When I drove Gypsy to her hotel on Waikiki she invited me to her room and complained that she hadn't done enough. She asked if we could return the next day without the Red Cross volunteers. (Other celebrities did the same until I began sneaking them into the hospital without informing the Red Cross. This may have been one of the things that got me into trouble with my colonel.)

I helped Gypsy rebook her flight and we returned to the hospital the next day and saw a lot more of the patients. And, I got to spend another evening with Gypsy.

Response by LCDR Doug Nordman made May 24 at 2014 2:42 PM

LCDR Doug Nordman — Sat, 24 May 2014 14:42:31 -0400

30+ years ago as a midshipman I spent time among several of the Vietnam POWs: VADM Stockdale, VADM Lawrence, and CDR Galanti. We also had other POWs visit USNA to share their experiences and advice.

Bob Hope filmed a show during our graduation week, and he was as nice a guy in person as he was on the stage.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2014 2:50 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 May 2014 14:50:05 -0400

I met B.J. Penn (UFC fighter) at a Wounded Warrior function on Hickam AFB in HI. I was volunteering at the air field in the Seabee Display at a fair they had. We were asked to show diversity and send a couple Seabees to attend this event. Later, he got to ride with the Blue Angels and I think I heard he puked. Lol. He is much smaller than I imagined him. He also lifted his shirt and he didn't look cut at all. He looked like the average local you might see out surfing. It made me think, it really is the fight in the dog.

Response by COL George Antochy made May 25 at 2014 1:16 AM

COL George Antochy — Sun, 25 May 2014 01:16:03 -0400

I don't go for the celebrity stuff to much as they tend to be too much into themselves. I do recall a nice visit with Foster Brooks while in the ROK in the 80's. I was lucky enough to be assigned as an escort for the Oakland Raider's Cheerleaders also while in the ROK. During OIF Kidd Rock came to visit us at 3d Army Forward. I was too old to know who he was or what his claim to fame was, but that didn't stop one of my Lieutenants from insulting him, and causing all sorts of trouble. I do very much respect all of the celebrities whether I know them or don't for making the effort to brighten the day for our Service Members.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2014 11:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 May 2014 11:06:23 -0400

My wife and I were hiking up stairway to heaven in Hawaii, while on the hike we met David Hasselhoff and four girls of the bay watch cast back in 2002.

Response by Cpl Ken Mortson made May 26 at 2014 2:00 PM

Cpl Ken Mortson — Mon, 26 May 2014 14:00:11 -0400

Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was visiting MCRD, San Diego, as the head of the presidential physical fitness program. I was in boot camp, about 1 week from graduation. 1992. They had followed us around all day as we kept them entertained with the Slide For Life, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, etc. Then came the barracks tour..... Recruits sitting neatly on the floor, cleaning weapons to pass the time... As he stopped in front of me, he asked how long it would take to put my weapon together (thinking, shit why me... There's D.I.s and officers everywhere....dammit!). "Sir, any recruit here can assemble the M16A2 service rifle in less than 2 minutes!" He promptly lifted his wrist, tapped the button on his watch, and said "go!" Flawless assembly followed, well within the time limit of course!

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jun 8 at 2014 5:15 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 17:15:11 -0400

I have run into a few political figures since being in D.C. but the most memorable one was Dick Gephardt in Reagan National Airport. I was late for a flight and running through the airport when I rounded a turn and knocked this guy on his ass. I felt terrible and stuck my hand out to help him up. I recognized who he was but all I recall at the moment was his first name so I said "Dick!" I think he took it the wrong way. Sorry about that senator.

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made Sep 25 at 2015 9:26 PM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 21:26:33 -0400

My 1st visit to Zurich,Switzerland, we were in a restaurant and I got up to go to the restroom. I asked my fellow soldiers what the words for men and women were in German. They said, oh that's easy! Just look for da' men's room (damen) I said ok and off I went. I get to the door and I started to push someone opened the door from the other side and a woman stepped out. I looked back at the table and the guys were laughing hysterically. Damen. Dame. I should have known better. I apologized to the very tall pretty woman and realized I recognized her as Gabriel Reese. 15 years later, my inlaws took us to Vegas to see a Rolling Stones concert and when they came on stage celebrities filled the 1st 2 rows in front of us. Tom cruise and Nichole Kidman sat in front of my inlaws and they got their autographs and the curly haired guy from home alone (the wet bandit) sat in front of me. After the concert, we got on the elevator back to our room and who should step on the elevator with us but Gabriel Reese. Like a dork, I asked if she remembered the incident from Switzerland. She didn't.