Image sourced from http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/04/15/full-metal-jacket-actor-r-lee-ermey-dies-at-age-74.html
It's the circle of life and this man lived his life to the fullest. Unfortunately, Mr. Ermey lost his recent battle with pneumonia and has passed away.
I don't know if I'm getting softer in my old age or what, but when I first found out about his death, it truly saddened me. Not just a little bit either, it really bothered me that we've lost a great man in this country. I have so much respect for this man. He was a true American badass. I think that's why I respect him so much. That and also that he served our country when we needed real men to step up to the plate. He served our country proudly during the Vietnam War. He wasn't drafted, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 in 1961. It was not until 1968 that he was ordered to Vietnam where he would serve 14 months! 14 months in Vietnam guys, could you even imagine? I wouldn't want to try and my mind is already jacked up. He was later medically discharged in 1972 due to several injuries he had sustained. Badass badge earned, son!
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One of my favorite quotes by Gunny:
"I don't have any respect at all for the scum-bags who went to Canada to avoid the draft or to avoid doing their fair share." ~ R. Lee Ermey
Most of you know him from his acting role in the movie Full Metal Jacket and Mississippi Burning. He was a very talented actor and he just didn't play hard-ass roles. He also was a very comical guy which I greatly appreciate! I love comedy! He played in Saving Silverman which was a really funny movie if you haven't seen it. I'm not going to go through his entire acting career but you can find it here if you wish to have a look see. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Lee_Ermey
The last show I remember seeing him on was a weapons related show called "Locked and Loaded With R. Lee Ermey". His showbiz career was blackballed apparently due to his political beliefs, "anti-obama". I don't think he cared too much to be honest.
Ahhh, Team Glock! I knew we had something in common!
Thanks for all the entertainment that you have given us over the years. And most of all, thank you for your prestigious service to our country, Gunny. Rest well my friend.