Jesse Ventura joined the Navy after high school and served for six years — four on active duty, two in the Reserves — and is a Vietnam veteran. While on active duty, he was a member of Underwater Demolition (SEAL) Team 12. He returned to Minnesota in 1973.
Ventura’s role as the Governor of Minnesota is the latest aspect of a lifetime spent serving the public in such various ways. He was the mayor of Brooklyn Park, a Navy SEAL, professional wrestler, actor and broadcaster.