Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, Ross joined the United States Air Force in 1961, rising to the rank of master sergeant. During his time at the military, he developed a passion for oil painting. He studied …

Jun 18, 2023 · "The Joy of Painting" host Bob Ross spent 20 years in the Air Force after enlisting at the age of 18, which would help lead to his painting career.

Oct 6, 2025 · Ross enlisted in the Air Force in 1961 at age 18 and spent 20 years in the service, rising to the rank of master sergeant.

Jun 4, 2020 · Less well known are the two decades he spent in the United States Air Force, where he reached the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in 1981. However, Ross' military service offers a...

Apr 10, 2024 · Yes, Bob Ross’s military career is true and lasted 20 years. After enlisting at the age of 18, Bob Ross’s Air Force service would have him working in a starkly different environment than that …

Mar 2, 2022 · Bob Ross served 20 years in the Air Force and developed his love for painting after attending art classes at the USO club in Anchorage. This was the first time he’d studied art.

Nov 25, 2025 · He served in the German Army during World War II, spent time as a prisoner of war, and somehow turned captivity into a side business by painting portraits of Allied officers’ wives.

Dec 11, 2023 · An image from the 1960s authentically depicts TV personality Bob Ross in the military.

Bob Ross enlisted in the Air Force when he was 18 and served for 20 years. When he enlisted, he did not train to become a pilot. Instead, he worked a desk job as a medical records technician. He stayed …