This Veterans Day, we celebrate Maurice Boozer, a former U.S. Army soldier who went from active duty to making an impact in Hollywood as both an actor and military consultant.

Boozer’s journey from the Army to the screen highlights the unique perspectives and authenticity that veterans bring to storytelling, especially when portraying military life.

Boozer’s role as Drill Sergeant Rivera in Cherry — a film about a young veteran struggling with PTSD and addiction — allowed him to draw on his own military background, adding realism and depth to a story that resonates with veterans and civilians alike. His experience informed his portrayal of Rivera, bringing intensity, discipline, and camaraderie to the screen in a way that only someone with real-life military experience could. “They never gave me lines for the movie,” Boozer said. “All of my lines in the movie are me talking, me just being a drill sergeant.”

Authenticity isn’t just about portraying soldiers accurately on screen. It’s about telling the whole story, honoring both the visible and invisible challenges that veterans face. Boozer believes that by sharing veterans’ stories, films like Cherry can foster empathy and understanding, bridging the gap between civilian and military life. As more veterans enter Hollywood, they’re helping to reshape narratives, giving audiences a deeper and more nuanced view of what it means to serve. “You never know whose life you can change with a hug,” Boozer said. “We can change the world by being better people.”

Today, we celebrate veterans like Maurice Boozer, whose journey from combat to Hollywood reminds us of the power of real-life experience in storytelling. Boozer’s role as Drill Sergeant Rivera is more than a performance — it’s a tribute to all veterans, reflecting their courage, strength, and enduring impact. As Hollywood embraces more veterans in front of and behind the camera, we look forward to stories that capture the full spectrum of the veteran experience, told by those who have lived it.

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