As CRM observes Veteran’s Day we would like to pay a special tribute to our clients who have served in the armed forces. We thank them for their service and wish them well in their ongoing journey.
Tara Batesole – Air Force
1. What motivated you to join the military?
I’m a Navy brat, when I decided I wanted to join my dad recommended jumping ship and joining the Air Force. It was something I’d wanted to do, and the fact most people didn’t think I’d make it made me want to join even more.
2. What was (is) your primary job after training (MOS)?
I worked in communication.
3. Where did you serve the majority of time in service?
Stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, just outside DC.
4. Tell me about some of the special people you met.
One of the great things about the military is you meet people from all walks of life. And as different as our backgrounds could be, we had this one thing in common.
5. What was the best and worst ‘military’ food you were served, and why?
Was any of it good??? But really, MREs were the worst…had a hard time getting those down.
6. Tell me a funny story you experienced that could only happen in the military.
Day one in Basic Training I thought it’d be a good idea during chow to go back up for dessert…huge no no. The TI called me out to make an example and I couldn’t stop laughing.
7. How did (does) your military experience affect your life today? What is it like being a Veteran in Hollywood?
I love having the support of other veterans in this industry, its not easy. Having that commonality and camaraderie again is awesome. And of course making fun of the other branches…especially the Navy!
Michael Broderick – Marines
1. What motivated you to join the military?
I decided to enlist because I felt (and continue to feel) gratitude for having been lucky enough to be born in this country. So many people from around the world, including my great grandparents courageously left everything they knew behind to seek a better life here in America. To this day, people dreaming of a better life have their sights set on the United States. I understood early on that the values that make our country so free and so great need to continually be protected by everyday citizens. It’s a hands-on job that not everyone is willing or able to do. I was willing. I was able. So, I did.
2. What was (is) your primary job after training (MOS)?
While I had hoped to work as either a broadcast or photo journalist, the needs of the Marine Corps dictated that I serve as a Logistics and Embarkation Specialist. The beauty of many of the support roles is that you can be attached to any unit. I landed with Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 (HML/A-167) in the 2nd Marine Air Wing, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, NC.
3. What rank are you most proud to have earned, and why?
When I attained the rank of Corporal (E-4), that really meant something to me. It is the first rank that doesn’t come automatically based on time in grade/time in service. You truly have to earn it. As a corporal, you are a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and while, for many, it’s just the first in a long line of promotions and ranks to earn, for me, it was a special one.
4. Tell me about some of the special people you met.
The thing I loved and appreciated most about my time in service was working alongside people from all over the country. Coming from the Jersey Shore and being the product of a middle-class family, it was strange to meet Marines who had never before seen the ocean. I really came to respect the work ethic of those whose life before the Corps entailed waking up before dawn, doing all their chores on the farm, then going to school, then more chores, only to do it all again the next day. It also opened my eyes to the experiences of my fellow Marines who struggled while coming up in inner cities, now determined to make a better life for themselves. I served with the sons and daughters of famous lawyers, titans of industry, dirt farmers, single parents, plumbers (like my dad) … Marines that came from every kind of background you could think of. I learned a lot about real diversity.
5. What is it like being a Veteran in Hollywood?
The experience of being a veteran in Hollywood has been changing over these past several years and for the better. Thanks to groups like Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME), industry leaders are getting to know more about the talented veteran community. Productions are learning first-hand about the outstanding work ethic and unique skills a military veteran brings to set when he or she is hired. For a while, I think some productions reached out to veterans driven by a sense of duty or even pity. These days, more and more producers and directors are realizing how much value someone with military experience can bring to a production and that makes me happy. I continue to be amazed at the success of my veteran brothers and sisters and am grateful to be in the Hollywood trenches alongside them.
Semper fidelis,
Michael Broderick
Scott C. Roe – Navy Seals
I always wanted to serve my country. My father was an intelligence officer during Vietnam. I knew I would follow in his footsteps and serve. I became a Navy SEAL and worked primarily in Central and South America. Being a SEAL, I was blessed to serve with some of the most dedicated and tough-minded individuals in the world. This military service taught me things that I will use for the rest of my life. The mental toughness to attack and overcome any obstacle. And now being a Veteran in Hollywood I’ll put those skills to use!