Posted on 05/13/2005 5:55:54 PM PDT by AZHua87
WASHINGTON, May 13, 2005 – A man who probably is best known as the Marine drill instructor from the movie "Full Metal Jacket" and as host of the History Channel's "Mail Call" program visited recovering troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here May 12.
Marine Sgt. James King tells R. Lee Ermey, best known as the Marine drill instructor in the movie "Full Metal Jacket" that he plans to enter the Marine Corps Marathon and the New York Marathon after he recovers from the amputation of his left leg. Ermey met recovering war wounded at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington May 12 as part of a USO-sponsored visit. Photo by Michael E. Dukes (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
"I thought I'd come down and see how they're treating you down here," R. Lee Ermey told one of the patients he visited on the hospital's Ward 68.
A retired Marine gunnery sergeant, Ermey said he retired long ago, but he never left the Marine Corps. "I've been with the Marines for 44 years now," he said.
"Semper Fi!" Ermey said as he greeted Marines and soldiers alike. The Latin term "semper fidelis" means "always faithful" - a philosophy Ermey said he thinks all military members share.
"I've seen all your movies and own the first two seasons of 'Mail Call,' said Army Pfc. Michael Hawkins, an Operation Enduring Freedom soldier recovering here. The National Guard infantryman, who suffered from blast wounds while serving in Afghanistan, insisted on standing despite his wounds, while he spoke to Ermey. They talked about Ermey's recent trip to Afghanistan, where he traveled on patrol with a transportation company. "All the best to you," Ermey said to Hawkins as he shook his hand before heading for the next room.
(Excerpt) Read more at dod.mil ...
"Mail-Call!"
OOH RAH!!
R Lee Ermey rules
I enjoy watching him. He is what I would call a natural entertainer.
Dudedog, he is a Marine who happens to be on TV. His biography is Marine all the way.
Oh, wrong thread!
My bad...
I think Mail Call is coming on next on the History Channel, which I'm always watching. :P
I once heard R. Lee say that the best D.I.'s are at heart "entertainers", with all their chiding, chanting and mellow-drama in barracks. It's a comment I thought alot about since.
I'm certain that his inductees were not entertained, however, until after they finished basic.
Why the hell is this great guy's leg being amputated?
A retired Marine gunnery sergeant. . .
Go, Gunny!
Its a poorly written sentence - the guy Ermey was talking to is getting the amputation.
His eggs Sardou?
...to die for!
Don't know but remember we have a leg amputee that jogged with the Pres. and another that is not only back on active duty but back in Iraq.
Yes. I've heard both those stories. My heart breaks when I see these what has happened to these fine men but, at the same time, I'm also heartened by what they can accomplish. Amazing stuff.
I have actually wondered the same thing, that Drill Instructors probably have a little bit of the actor in them.
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