PHOTOS

: They may have spent years on the front lines but that's not where their hard work stopped. Check out these military veterans who went on to run successful enterprises.

: <ul> <li>Percy Sutton – The Tuskegee Airman </li> </ul> Known as “The Godfather of Black Radio,” Sutton is most widely known for the landmark purchase of a single New York City radio station and turning it into a media conglomerate known as Inner City Broadcasting. But before entering business and politics, Sutton served as an intelligence officer with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, flying with the 332nd Fighter Group in the U.S. Army Air Forces.

: <ul> <li>Mark “Ranger” Jones – The Ranger</li> </ul> A former Army Ranger, Jones joined the service in 1987. He become a master sergeant before retiring and starting his own business, Ranger Group, an engineering and construction company. Ranger Group is also a certified 8(a) business and a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

: <ul> <li>Earl G. Graves Sr. – The Green Beret </li> </ul> Before his involvement in politics and founding BLACK ENTERPRISE, Earl G. Graves served as a member of the 19th Special Forces Group, the Green Berets, in the United States Army. Graves is also an ROTC graduate, having attended Airborne and Ranger School.

: <ul> <li>Vernice Armour – The Fly Girl</li> </ul> An army brat, Armour followed in her father's and stepfather's footsteps when she joined the military. She excelled and in 2001 become the first black female pilot in American military history. Armour served two tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2004. She went on to launch VAI Consulting and Training, L.L.C., where she’s penned a number of books, developed the Zero to Breakthrough Success Model, and delivers training to companies and government agencies.

: <ul> <li>J. Bruce Llewellyn – The Lieutenant</li> </ul> There wasn’t a failing business J. Bruce Llewellyn couldn’t turn into a thriving enterprise. After purchasing Fedco Food Corp., a chain of food stores in the South Bronx, for $3 million, Llewellyn eventually grew the company from 10 stores to 27 by 1983, generating $85 million in gross revenue. Prior to establishing himself as a savvy businessman, Llewellyn served four years in the United States Army and was honorably discharged after obtaining the rank of second lieutenant.

: <ul> <li>Berry Gordy – Korean War Vet</li> </ul> Before creating the Motown Sound that became the soundtrack of the 60s and 70s, Gordy was drafted into the U.S. Army. He fought in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953.