As we celebrate Veterans Day, it's important to recognize the contributions of not just our friends and family, but also the many celebrities who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. While we may be more accustomed to picturing these stars in the lap of luxury, it's fascinating to learn about their military backgrounds and how their service has shaped their lives and careers.

Uncovering the Unexpected: Celebrities Who Answered the Call to Serve

Pat Sajak: From Vietnam to Wheel of Fortune

Before becoming the beloved host of "Wheel of Fortune," Pat Sajak served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, using his engaging voice as a DJ on the American Forces Vietnam Network. Sajak followed in the footsteps of the real-life DJ Adrian Cronauer, portrayed by Robin Williams in the 1987 film "Good Morning, Vietnam." Now retired, Sajak has built an impressive real estate portfolio, including a sprawling mansion in the gated Bluff Point neighborhood of Severna Park, Maryland, and a luxurious home in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Mel Brooks: From the Battlefield to the Silver Screen

Renowned actor, comedian, and filmmaker Mel Brooks was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 at the age of 18, serving in Germany, France, and Belgium. Toward the end of the war, Brooks joined the Special Services as a comic, entertaining troops on Army bases. After his honorable discharge as a corporal in 1946, Brooks went on to achieve great success in Hollywood, and he and his late wife, Anne Bancroft, have enjoyed a lavish lifestyle on both coasts, owning homes in the Hamptons and Los Angeles.

Tom Selleck: From the National Guard to the Small Screen

Best known for his role as Thomas Magnum in the hit series "Magnum, P.I.," Tom Selleck also served in the California Army National Guard for six years, attaining the rank of sergeant. Selleck has been living on a sprawling 68-acre ranch in Ventura County's Hidden Valley, which he purchased in 1998. The property features a Spanish Colonial-style home, a tennis court, a pool, and a golf green, as well as acres of crops, including avocado trees and oak trees. However, Selleck has faced challenges in maintaining the ranch, particularly during a severe drought that devastated much of his vegetation.

Morgan Freeman: From the Air Force to the Silver Screen

Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school, serving as an Automatic Tracking Radar repairman from 1955 to 1959. After his military service, Freeman moved to Los Angeles and began his legendary acting career. Rather than purchasing a lavish home in Hollywood, Freeman opted to return to his roots, buying a 124-acre ranch near Charleston, Mississippi, where he has built a beautiful hacienda-style house with a pool, tennis courts, and lavish gardens. The property is also home to Freeman's beekeeping operation and is entirely sustainable, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and organic gardening practices.

J.D. Vance: From the Marine Corps to the Political Spotlight

After graduating high school in 2003, J.D. Vance enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a military journalist, attaining the rank of corporal. During his four-year service, he was deployed to Iraq for six months in a non-combat role, writing articles and taking photos for publication. Vance's real estate portfolio has grown alongside his professional success, with properties in Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, and Virginia. As the newly elected Vice President-elect, Vance and his family will soon be moving into the prestigious residence at the United States Naval Observatory, where all U.S. vice presidents have lived since Walter Mondale.These stories of celebrities who have served in the U.S. military serve as a powerful reminder that the sacrifices and contributions of those who defend our nation come from all walks of life. By exploring the homes and legacies of these remarkable individuals, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse paths that have led them to success and the enduring impact of their service.