‘Top Gun’ star and Air Force Veteran Tom Skerritt always had a passion for the arts, but it was his time in the Air Force which led him become a successful actor. Raised in Detroit shortly after the Great Depression, Skerritt was taught the value of a hard days work and attended schools which implemented creative arts programs like art, dance and painting. He quickly became connected to the arts but was advised by his father to work in a trade. However, Skerritt was called by another inspiration, that of his brother’s World War II service as a P-51 Mustang pilot, so he decided to join the Air Force.
Air Force Service
According to VA News:
Skerritt enlisted in 1951 and was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Texas as a classification specialist. His duties consisted of redirecting motor vehicle airmen and managing other air traffic. Above all, the military taught Skerritt to establish focus and discipline into his character. He was honorably discharged to pursue an education.
Acting Career
After being discharged, used resources from the G.I. Bill, to attend several schools to further his education in the arts, a passion he had never lost. Transferring between Henry Ford College and Wayne State University, until finally settling at University of California, Los Angeles, he dreamed of being a director but ultimately focused on acting to support his family. Skerritt started with small roles and was eventually invited to other projects, eventually starring in films such as “War Hunt,” “Alien,” “M*A*S*H,” “Top Gun” and “A River Runs Through It.” He would go on to receive several awards including a primetime Emmy.
Continued Service
Skerritt never forgot about his important time in the Air Force and along with with Army Capt. Evan Bailey, founded the Red Badge Project. Their goal is to support “wounded warriors in the journey to reconstruct their individual sense of purpose, understanding of self-worth, and place in community, as they discover and give voice to their unique stories.” The Red Badge Project has given Skerritt the opportunity to work with Veterans experiencing PTSD and helping them use to power of story telling as therapy.