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| Attention, you maggots! Read this article about Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey! |
| 2007-11-12 |
| Peter Suderman, National Review “Alright people, let’s get with the program!” A voice booms out from the darkness, deep and sandpaper-scraggly, firm and fierce, it’s the sound of Authority — not so much the voice of God as of his enforcer. And lo and behold, the screen flickers and the movie begins, exactly as you’d expect from a command belted out by actor, troop advocate, and former Marine drill instructor R. Lee Ermey. . . . Like many actors, Ermey may feel that he lives in his character’s shadow, but that hasn’t stopped him from making use of the opportunities and influence the role has brought him. But tops on Ermey’s list is a cause that’s rarely seen within the confines of activist Hollywood: Supporting the troops that made his time in the service — and thus his legendary role — possible. Ermey gives 150 days a year to various activities supporting the armed services. He works with Unmet Needs, a veteran’s charity that offers financial support to veterans and their families. . . . Ermey also makes trips to the front lines where he meets with the troops — many of whom are fans — and films segments for his History Channel show Mail Call. In the show, Ermey plays a slightly less menacing variation on his Hartman character, answering viewer mail about all sorts of military-related questions. He goes to places more remote — and more dangerous — than many of the celebrities who participate in USO shows. “They can’t ask Hollywood actors to go all the way out there. Me they don’t give a sh*t about.” Then he flashes a knowing grin and says, “But nobody’s going to let me get hurt on their watch.” . . . Go read it all. Semper Fi, carry on! |
| Posted by:Mike |
| #3 The man has WAY too much fun on his job - I'm seriously jealous. That said: he walks the walk, then and now, and has earned the right to call people maggots and play with all that hardware. God bless him! |
| Posted by: xbalanke 2007-11-12 13:45 |
| #2 Look carefully at the chopper cavalry attack in Apocalypse Now, and you will see a young Ermey operating a bird. He is on camera a few times. |
| Posted by: McZoid 2007-11-12 08:19 |
| #1 He is a fine man and a wonderful example of the American soldier. Keep up the good work, son. Semper Fi! |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2007-11-12 08:12 |