Posted on 07/22/2005 4:37:19 PM PDT by SandRat
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July, 21, 2005) -- “Don’t you dare touch that remote control, ‘cause you’re watching ‘Mail Call,’” barked Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, actor and former Marine.
The History Channel’s No. 1-rated show visited Camp Pendleton early this week to shoot for an upcoming episode featuring the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and the MK-19 grenade launcher.
The production crew first made its way to the School of Infantry’s green belt instructor course to drop in on training. They videotaped students sparring and grappling while instructors supervised.
Then, the crew turned its cameras on advanced infantry training, where Marines from the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry, fired grenades downrange at mock humvees.
“We wanted to cover the MK-19 grenade launcher in an upcoming show because it is one of the weapons systems “Mail Call” hasn’t reviewed yet,” said Keith Guinto, the show’s supervising producer.
The martial arts footage will give viewers an idea of how the Marine Corps uses hand-to-hand combat, he added.
The show answers questions, sent in by viewers, about technology used by the military past and present.
“We try to stay true to our scenario,” said Ermey.
“It is a beautiful thing to let a Marine talk about his equipment on the show. It really shows that Marines know there stuff,” he added.
Ermey regularly visits the base to film and promote the show, which airs on Friday nights.
“It’s the closest base to Hollywood where we can find Marines and their equipment,” Ermey explained.
Ermey spent 11 years on active duty and was medically retired in 1971 as a staff sergeant.
He served as a drill instructor for two years at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He also served a tour of duty in Vietnam.
The Marines look forward to watching their martial arts instruction on a future episode of “Mail Call” sometime in October.
“It was pretty motivating to be on TV doing what I love to do,” said Sgt. Billy J. Trott, a martial arts instructor for AIT/SOI. “This job is already motivating enough, but to know I can do it on TV is even better.”
Retired Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, host of the History Channel's 'Mail Call,' poses for the camera while members of the advanced infantry training battalion fire from a vehicle-mounted, MK-19 grenade launcher during their first week of the course. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Brian Reimers
LOL! I think I'll show that one to my hubby--he thinks I spend TOO much time FReeping! Does that give me permission to stay up all night? :o)
And, yes Sarge, *saluting* I do respect the Corps!
BTW. He's a medically retired Staff Sergeant, and an Honorary Gunnery Sergeant (official, USMC).
I knew a few Gunny's who were just about as gung-ho/psycho as he is on screen. Really.
Ya gotta love the Gunny! My sons and I can't get enough "Mail Call".
He served as a drill instructor for two years at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He also served a tour of duty in Vietnam.
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All my DIs in '72 were Vietnam vets.
I think I met some of his DI cohorts. Sorry I missed him at Da'go... or maybe not. :)
OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!
The Gunny must feel like the luckiest man in the world at times, and he definitely looks like a kid in a candy store. I don't which show thrilled him the most: the ride in the f-15, or his flight in a B-2...
Hey, I love to watch that. Or sometimes just to listen, it's fun! :)
"Pyle, you look like a 100 lbs. of chewed bubble gum"!!!!
R. Lee Ermy has a message for you here!
OMG I thought they cancel Mail Call I haven't seen on History Channel lately maybe I am missing it
What day is on I been watching that show Conquerors on Sunday nights
LMAO! Yeap....that's the ticket. :-))
I love Mail Call. Ermey is an absolute hoot!
Check with your local cable provider.
He does look like he is having a good time.
I love the show also and watch it every chance i get. Even the re-runs are entertaining!
I really got a kick out of the episodes where he went up in a Super Cobra, did some shooting in a Striker at the range, among other things.
My father was an Army D.I. at Fort Ord during the Vietnam war and at times growing up, you can see a lot of R.Lee in him.
I got my father watching the show a while back and his first impression was "typical hollywood Jar head" (thinking he was just an actor because of Full Metal Jacket).... but then found out he was not some fake marine and now my father watches his show every week.
He's hooked now!
Oh LUV...... there's another message for you at reply #17.
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