Jon Stewart Has Been Quietly Running a Program to Help U.S. Veterans

Jon Stewart has shown a great deal of admiration and support for America’s soldiers and veterans over the years (as well as going after people in government letting them down), and today, The New York Times highlighted another way he’s been quietly helping vets get into show business.

That’s right, there are some veterans interested in pursuing television careers, and this program Stewart set up is what the Times describes as an “industry boot camp” to help vets get into that business.

The Times highlights the story of veteran Nathan Witmer, who wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and with the help of Stewart’s program, worked at Fox News before actually joining The Daily Show as an associate field segment producer.

Stewart talked with the Times about encouraging more people in Hollywood to do the same, seeing the places where U.S. soldiers are fighting for themselves, and how hard it’s been for vets to get their foot in the door in the TV industry:

“There are well-worn channels into this industry that are closed off to veterans. You get into the television industry generally by going to certain colleges known for having good television programs, getting internships and getting to know people who work in the industry. A lot of veterans never had that opportunity because they were busy at war. This is a way to give them that chance.”

[image via Shutterstock]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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