--- title: "11 celebrities you didn’t know were passionate about supporting America’s veterans" description: "Plenty of celebrities support veterans! Here are 11 superstars you probably didn't know were passionate about supporting veterans." date: "2021-03-05" modified: "2021-03-05" authors: - name: "Mike Dowling" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/mikedowling/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/11-celebrities-support-veterans/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "Veterans" --- # 11 celebrities you didn’t know were passionate about supporting America’s veterans ![]() Many celebrities use their influence to bring awareness to issues they are passionate about. Something as simple as a social media post or attending an event can bring support and attention for an organization. For the military veteran community, celebrities such as Gary Sinise and Bob Hope have used their influence so much that it becomes part of their lifestyle. --- But there are many other superstars who have gone above and beyond in supporting troops, although most people have no idea. Here are 11 superstars you probably didn't know were passionate about supporting veterans. ### 1. Kathy Griffin ![]() *Kathy Griffin, Michael McDonald and Karri Turner perform an improv skit for soldiers and airmen in Tikrit, Iraq, March 17, 2006.* The multi Emmy award winning actress and comedian has been a long time supporter of the troops performing on USO tours, hosting VH1 Divas Salute the Troops, and offering veterans free backstage tickets to her shows. She has been awarded recognition for [her commitment in supporting the troops](). ### 2. Jared Allen Jared Allen is a five-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and current player for the Chicago Bears. He was so inspired by his interaction with troops on a USO tour that he created the non-profit [Homes for Wounded Warriors]() which builds and remodels homes for wounded warriors. ### 3. Judd Apatow The award winning comedy writer/producer has many well known credits including "Anchorman," "Pineapple Express," "Bridesmaids," and HBO's "Girls." What many don't know is his passion in supporting troops by performing [stand up comedy to raise money]() for wounded warriors, sending gifts to troops, and [hiring veterans to work]() on his productions. ### 4. Adam Sandler ![]() Whether he's [making videos]() of messages [in support of the troops]() or [hosting wounded warriors]() at his production company Happy Madison, Adam is known as a long-time supporter of the troops and veterans. ### 5. Snoop Dogg One of hip-hop's most iconic figures, Snoop should also be known for being a huge troop supporter. He visits wounded warriors at the hospital, has played with the [Wounded Warrior Amputee football team](), and performs for the troops. Watch [this video of him expressing his support](). ### 6. Vince McMahon ![]() *Photo: Wikimedia* Owner of World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince partnered his entertainment powerhouse with the Armed Forces Entertainment to organize an annual [Tribute to the Troops since 2003](). Prior to the show each year, he has WWE wrestlers and employees visit military bases and hospitals. ### 7. KISS The legendary rock band has given an incredible amount of support to the troops. In every community where the band opens a [Rock Brews]() restaurant, it donates [money to a local veterans organization](). Not only have they performed many times for the troops but they have been [hiring veterans to work]() on their tours. Further, the band has roots in World War II [that link two of its members together.]() ### 8. Katy Perry The award-winning singer has performed several times for troops, including a [show during fleet week](), on VH1 Divas Salute the Troops, and on USO tours. She also portrayed herself as a new Marine enlistee in her music video "Part of Me." The video shot on [Camp Pendleton and involved 80 Marines](). ### 9. Fergie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrBUMlc2J-o In addition to performing for the troops, the Grammy award-winning singer organized a fundraiser supporting a military charity, and invited many of her celebrity friends. ### 10. Barry Zito ![]() *strikeoutsfortroops.org* The Cy Young award-winning pitcher founded the non-profit [Strikeouts for Troops]() in 2005, which provides financial support to wounded warriors. He also flies out a group of veterans to watch spring training every year. ### 11. J.J. Abrams Many know the director/producer for his work on blockbuster films like the "Mission Impossible" franchise, "Star Trek," and the upcoming ["Star Wars."]() Behind the camera, he has also [joined efforts with Hollywood]() in depicting more stories that portray the sacrifices and service of veterans. He has flown overseas to screen his films for troops and partnered his production company Bad Robot with the non-profit [The Mission Continues to support post 9/11 veterans.]() ## Author Mike is a Marine veteran turned author, producer, and actor. He joined WATM after being a contributor to TakePart.com’s Return the Service campaign and a producer for Pivot TV’s Take Part Live where he created awareness around veteran’s issues. Mike has consulted on a wide range of productions for studios, networks, and independent projects. He also co-founded the nonprofit Veterans in Film & Television, the premiere organization connecting Hollywood with the veteran community.