Today is a special day. Today, the United States honors the members of the military on Veterans Day. I don’t have or know anyone close to me that serves or has served in any of the branches of service, but this doesn’t stop me from appreciating and respecting what they do to keep the Home front safe. Today, in some small fashion, I want to acknowledge this through my sincere appreciation to the real life men and women who wear the uniform, and have some fun by spotlighting ‘favorite Veteran Day characters’ on this meaningful day.
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There’s something about a story with a solid military character, isn’t there? I’ve seen several that made a lasting impression, while others are less conspicuous. On the list are characters you’ll recognize by name, and others you might wonder why they are even mentioned. But in part, this is my goal. I want to spotlight some you know and maybe, introduce a few you don’t.
With no further preamble, let’s have a look.
The Proud Protectors: 20 of the Most Memorable Veteran Day Characters
1: Jim Avery
Where you Know him From: Through Waters Deep, by Sarah Sundin
Thoughts: All I remember about this guy is that he makes a lasting impression, and he looks dashing in a uniform.
2: ‘The Brave’ Company
Where you Know them From: NBC’s The Brave
Thoughts: Sadly, this show didn’t last long, at all. But what we did see (eight or ten episodes, I think) I quite liked. The company that made up this tight-knit special ops unit were easy to like, and I appreciated that this one has a kind of “rawness” to it by being more about missions than inter-team drama (which I’m sure would have changed had the show continued).
3: Chris Dempsey
Where you Know him From: Once Upon a Christmas Miracle (TV Movie)
4: Kasey Fairing
Where you Know her From: Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren
Thoughts: I wish I remembered this book better, but I’m 99.9% sure I liked it, and one of the big reasons why is Kasey’s character, who happens to be former military.
5: Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Where you Know him From: NCIS (CBS TV Show)
Thoughts: I mean, really what can be said about this character? For 17 – or is it 18 now? – years, he’s been a solid and reliable character on your TV screens. He’s a protector, leader and when need be, yes, even the comforter.
6: The ‘JAG’ Office
Where you Know them From: JAG (CBS TV Show)
Thoughts: They may be court room military service men and women, but goodness… do I adore all of these characters. I binged the entire series years ago, and to this day, it’s still a favorite. Harm, Mac and Co. are just that memorable.
7: John Lawson
Where you Know him From: True to You, by Becky Wade
Thoughts: Love this character so much. Plus, the way he meets the book-living heroine is just too perfect.
8: Megan Leavey
Where you Know her From: Meaghan Leavy (Feature Film)
Thoughts: It’s been a while since I watched this film, but it’s an emotional, based on a true story about a woman who works to be reunited with her service dog in their respective retirement.
9: Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell
Where you Know him From: Top Gun (1986)
Thoughts: Is it odd to include on character I haven’t met? I don’t know, but will admit I’ve heard about him (as Maverick) and seen the movie around – a lot. In my little (I didn’t do much because I wanted to include the people I could think of) research I did for today’s list, I did see his name on at least one list. Now the question, should I watch Top Gun?
10: Alison Ng
Where you Know her From: Aloha
Thoughts: Like some on this list, this character is more a “fun” addition since this film a: wasn’t well received and b: she doesn’t make a lasting impression in the way a TV show character does. That said, I remember loving the character, and liking how Emma Stone plays her.
11: Kevin O’Brien
Where you Know him From: Chesapeake Shores (TV Show)
Thoughts: Ok, so for the majority of this show (fourth season just completed), Kevin is not in the military any longer. That said, everything about his character is still reflective of his service.
12: Dru Porter
Where you Know her From: Her One and Only, by Becky Wade
Thoughts: I wish I remembered this story better than I actually do, but what I do recall is this character is all about the fierce sassiness, and we’re all here for it.
13: Steve Rogers aka Captain America
Where you Know him From: The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Thoughts: Yeah, we all knew I wouldn’t make a list like this without Steve Rogers, right? Love this character so much.
14: Jack Reacher
Where you Know him From: the Jack Reacher novels and Film Adaptations
Thoughts: I mean, yes, the dude is quite mysterious, but also… that’s why we like him, right?
15: Sal ‘Falcon’ Russo
Where you Know him From: Falcon, by Ronie Kendig
Thoughts: Another character I don’t remember well (either because it’s been a long time since I read the book or I don’t have a good memory), but I do remember the series in terms of the covers, and just the idea that I did like all three of the books in the series Falcon is a part of.
16: Jack Ryan
Where you Know him From: the Jack Ryan novels by Tom Clancy + Film and TV adaptations
Thoughts: In current times, Jack works as a CIA analyst but prior to this, he was a proud military member, and now, he kicks butt working (even if it is always by accident) as a field agent.
17: Colin Shaw
Where you Know him From: All For Love (TV Movie)
Thoughts: I’ve said it before, I love this movie and character. Plus, it helps that his counterpart is a sassy, but military factually challenged author. Makes everything more fun!
18: Mac Taylor
Where you Know him From: CSI: NY (CBS TV Show)
Thoughts: Yeah, I know I’ve mentioned Mac a time or two recently. When you decide to binge the now-cancelled CBS show (almost done with the final season), the characters in said binge-show tend to make an impression.
19: John Tyree
Where you Know him From: Dear John (novel by Nicholas Sparks and later, a film adaptation)
Thoughts: Channing Tatum’s John is the one character I remember fully liking in the adaptation. Much as I do appreciate the film’s end (because I’m all about the HEA), I don’t disagree with those who wanted someone better for him.
20: Alex Wheatley
Where you Know him From: Safe Haven (novel by Nicholas Sparks and later, a film adaptation)
Thoughts: Yes, I do have two Nicholas Sparks characters in a row. To be honest, I don’t remember Alex’s military service really being a “thing” in the film adaptation (was this even a thing in the film?) with Josh Duhamel, but the novel certainly discusses it at greater length, and it’s one of my favorite parts about it. The way Alex is – good, kind, noble – is largely due to his service.
On this Veterans Day 2019, it’s with a grateful heart that I say thank you to each and every person who take up the mission to protect this land we call home. Without you, and the sacrifices you make daily, none of us would have a voice or be able to walk through life with security and the comfort of safety.
Have you met any of these characters; do you like or dislike them? Who are some of your most ‘favorite Veterans Day characters’? Comment all the thoughts below!
The Proud Protectors: 20 of the Most Memorable Veteran Day Characters. Talking about a few of the military characters I best like. #VeteransDay #Characters #List Click To Tweet
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This is a FANTASTIC list; I love every character on it, some more than others of course (Jack Reacher, John Tyree, Kevin O’Brien, Chris Dempsey, and Gibbs).
My own personal list would definitely include Jake Porter (A Love Like Ours), Clay Spenser (SEAL Team), Kimball Cho (Mentalist), John Reese (Person of Interest), Henry McCord (Madam Secretary), and Kensi Blye (NCIS:LA), just to start with ?
Hi, Kristy!! Apologies for the reply delay. I was getting better at replies and now have fallen behind. Again. ;)
LOVE so many you mention including Jake, Cho and of course, Reese. I never did finish Person of Interest because the way it ends makes me sad. So many excellent protectors in fiction, and it always makes me all the more grateful for our real-life heroes. :)
Love this idea for a Veteran’s Day post! Great list.
Brittaney, hi! Apologies for the reply delay. Thanks so much for reading. :)
I am so honored! And Jim Avery is ducking his head and trying to get out of the limelight :) Thank you, Rissi!
Sarah, hi! My sincere apologies for the reply delay. Thank YOU so much for stopping by, and for creating such amazing historical fiction with upstanding characters like Jim. They’re always a joy to read. :)
I love that Steve Rogers is on here, and Jack ryan too. :) Fabulous topic, by the way!
Greg, apologies for the reply delay! I too love to see Steve Rogers noted (anywhere…!) and always did like the character of Jack Ryan. Thank you for reading. :)