The Pen is Mightier than the...Barometer

Spotlight on Tom Schuler

Twenty-two talented veterans were chosen to participate in the AT&T Veterans Media Fellowship. The Fellowship helps US military veterans transition into meaningful, impactful careers in the media and entertainment industry. Representing different branches of the armed services – the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy – this inaugural class brings a wide range of life and service experiences to the program. Below is a spotlight on one of the selected Fellows.

Tom Schuler served as an Air Force meteorologist from 2009-2015. He is currently pursuing comedy writing, focusing his efforts on children's animation and late-night TV.

Tom says, “What excites me the most about the entertainment industry is being a part of something that meant so much to me growing up. Whether it was waking up early to watch cartoons or secretly staying up past bedtime to watch the late-night shows: I always had a friend in entertainment. Later, while I was in the Air Force, I found comedy to be a place I could always go back to in order to relax and be myself.
  
“During my time as a fellow, I hope to learn as much as I can. I spent my free time as an Air Force meteorologist dreaming about working in entertainment, but there's not much practical advice in dreams. I ultimately hope to learn how to best present my writing to someone who can help me turn it into a career.

“My big dream in the entertainment industry would be to write for a show like Conan,” he says.

“I enjoy the pressure of having to create something on a near-daily basis while balancing topicality and unabashed silliness. I would also love writing for children's animation. The stories we hear when we're young tend to stick with us through life, and it would be an honor to be a part of that tradition.”