he was my neighbor when i was a kid in Palmdale , ca , and he would come over when we would have a cookout , he was the most famous person i knew of because he was in a movie , he was a very gentle but firm man on values , a generation you wouldn't believe if you weren't there , im glad they named a street in his honor :)
He sounds like a good man. From what I know he was. If he was that close to you, you were probably family to him, you have my condolences. Guys like him are made like tacks with glue on the end of them, stick to anything they want. Enjoy yourself friend
He's not lying. I've had Marine enlisted high school friends go on to become engineers, lawyers, nurses, boilermakers, expert welders. RIP Gunny Ermey.
Military people learn the tools of respect, professionalism, hard work, and determination. Those who learn to apply those skills outside of their military life will always be successful! It's only the ones that don't realize you don't have to give up those skill sets when you leave that end up on the street.
Enlisted definitely doesn't mean stupid. Usually it's an economic thing where people don't have opportunities for employment or their families aren't wealthy enough to pay for college.
Got 3 Marines in my life. First is my uncle a Vietnam era Marine. He's not the sharpest knife in the drawer but one of the hardest working and most caring individuals. He practically raised me when my father got so abusive that my uncle beat the hell out of my father and I lived with him for almost a year. Second is my best friend and business partner. He's a 2000s Marine. Smart, hard working, and funny as hell. We spend hours pulling pranks on each other and our employees just to keep morale high. He will laugh so hard when I spout off the dirtiest jokes I know. He was my friend before I started my business. He came to work for me in the beginning but just 2 years ago I made him a partner. I plan for him and my son to run it when I retire in the next decade. Lastly is my cousin's husband. He's a late 90s Marine. He's the dumbest, laziest, all around waste of the uniform. He was a Marine for a little over a year when he fell off the back of a truck. He was discharged for a back injury. He uses that as a crutch to not do anything. Once while at his father in laws place he was complaining about his back saying he couldn't help us destroy an old cabin because it would hurt too much afterwards. His father in law and I laughed so hard. We both talked about our injuries. I've got 3 fused vertebrae and nerve damage keeping me in constant pain yet I work in the building trades one of the most physical jobs you can have yet I was running a chainsaw, swinging a sledgehammer, and loading lumber in the back of our trucks
@@klabusterbeere7244SNCOIC for 1 Area Guard Platoon for the gates of Heaven. Just for being stupid, you're pulling double fire watch tonight. SCRIBE! Put Private Numbnuts down for extra fire watch tonight, and make sure they are separate and evenly spaced between lights out and Reveille. 😄😄
Gunny is making sure that the Marines that are lined up on Heaven's streets are standing tall and squared away. May the Lord Illuminate his soul. SEMPER FI GUNNY!
Met this man twice. Once on a golf course for a Marine charity drive, and when he came to speak to the Young Marines at Battalion Encampment. Gracious in his time and his love of all Marines, both young and old.
I'm a 'Proud 'Hollywood Marine who 'Marched on your Parade Deck' In Platoon 167 starting on the 26th of November 1965. The same year you were training Recruits in the Third Recruit Training Bn. Later on 'Humped' the 'Jungles and Rice Paddies' of the 'An Hoa Valley', 'Arizona Territory' and 'Dodge City of the Quang Nam Province of Nam.' Semper Fi Gunny! G/2/5 68-69
To this Marine, I served with G 2/5 3rd platoon 1976. You Marines were legendary to us. To live up to our Corps standard, but then belonging to G 2/5 meant something special. Thank you Sir.
I met this man many years ago as a kid at a gun show. Met him a couple more times and he remembered me and we talked about our collections and hunting and sport shooting. I met his son as well, Clinton. When he passed I told Clinton of the times we talked and he told me he was auctioning off some of Ermeys guns off and the money would go to Marine Corps charities. it was called "The Gunny's Guns". I was able to purchase a parker brothers double barrel shotgun 12 gauge hammer gun apparently he bird hunted with. Came with a picture of him holding it and Clinton had a certificate notarized that it was in fact his dads. It hangs in good company quietly above my fireplace next to a marine corps sword that was given to me, and underneath that an Albright Pennsylvania long rifle made in the late 18th century very early 19th century. A small piece from such a larger than life man!
Damn and i thought the calvary remington octagonal rifle my great great great uncle got when he became an officer that rifle settled the west but a gifted marine corps saber and one of r lee ermeys guns please tell me you have family to pass them on to that will not sell them
@@todydn The saber was a gift from a very close friend who served in Korea and Vietnam. All of my gun collection is categorized and cataloged from my belt feds, to my Johnson rifle, Garands and Ermey's shotgun. I do not have children as of yet and toddler nephew and niece. My two best friends are currently in control of my will unless my girlfriend and I get married and have children. When my brothers kids get older I will see how they treat his gun collection. With interest or not. If not, my two best friends who have spent over 20 years shooting them with me will get them. If I have kids or family that love them then one is promised my FAL STG58c and the other one of my Krag rifles, and one of my Krag carbines. The rest will go to family who will appreciate it.
“Today, you people are no longer maggots. Today, you are Marines. You're part of a brotherhood. From now on until the day you die, wherever you are, every Marine is your brother. Most of you will go to Vietnam. Some of you will not come back. But always remember this: Marines die. That's what we're here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU live forever.”
Soldier, not a marine, but boy is that true. Every time I meet a fellow serviceman there's an unspoken realization that goes beyond personality or background. We're a different breed, for better and worse. But I wouldn't hesitate to have any of their backs. A civilian won't stick around when things fall apart. It's all excuses and it's tough working with them. But you get a fellow soldier, an airman or sailor, even a marine, and we will all stay until the job is done. It's something that's been hammered into you over a long time and it sticks with you. It sucked while I was in, but you come to miss it once you return to normal life.
@@davewebster5120 Ain't that the truth. Once retired from the service and gone on to work with civilians, the first thing that amazed me was how much "lunch hour" meant to them. I thought, damn - how many meals did I miss because the operation came first, and these people are standing at a timeclock (ready to swipe) so they don't check out not one minute after 12!!!!
I got to meet Gunny in 2004 when he did an episode of Mail Call with my unit. We were in Afghanistan at the time, and I’ve watched the episode fondly many times since. Rest easy Gunny, we got it from here.
He was probably over there a couple weeks. I met him in Dec 2003 at a “bazaar” at Bagram AB. The locals were selling old Lee Enfields for dirt cheap and the Gunny was there smiling ear to ear. Very gracious man talked to all who recognized him like a regular guy back home would
I used to fly helicopters professionally and Ermey’s house and metal barn was nearby. I always loved flying overhead and seeing him come out and wave to us on occasion.
His lines from full metal jacket and the siege of fire base Gloria. Damn it’s been years since I watched both the films but man those lines from those movies stick out in my mind.
His line from "Purple Hearts", when the camp was being overrun. "Captain, Sir. You're the only officer left. Get your ass outta this trench and take command."
Went to see Fullmetal jacket some things I laughed at my wife said that's not funny I said you had to be there others in theaters chuckled too semper fi
I don't care what branch of service. This real life Marine Drill Instructor is an inspiration to this retired US Army Ranger (scrool not only tab). For 21 years, and every deployment that I went through. I still couldn't hold a handle a candle to this Superior Marine
I met the Gunny at a law enforcement conference in Denver, 2010. He was working for Glock firearms promoting their products. What an amazing guy and spoke to him about serving your country and his love, dedication to the Marine Corp. Gunny, I've got your 6 any damn day. Semper Fi
I'm retired Army who has met more than a few Marines in my career and have worked with quite a few prior service ones in my current job. Semper Fi to each and everyone of them! And thank you for your service too. RIP Gunny! PS Loved this guy in several movies I saw him star in, including FULL METAL JACKET! Brilliant. Also loved MAIL CALL too.
My dad served in the Marines for 30 years. E-1 to E-9 (MGST) in 11 years, Korea and Vietnam, 3 Purple Hearts and Medal of Valor. He was a Drill Instructor after Vietnam before being forced into Limited Duty Officer as a Prosecutor for JAG. 89 years old now and still kicking. Rode a Harley Davidson until he turned 87. They don't make men like that anymore. Old School Marines are legends.
I was lucky to know him when I was a DI working at STB from 1966-1970 at MCRD San Diego. I lost contact with him after that but I Went on to OCS Quantico VA after my last Of 3 tours in Vietnam 🇻🇳. My HE RIP. GYSGT Retired. Marines 1962-1980 and now 100% VA
Thanks for your service, Gunny! Thanks to all of you Marines, Navy, Army, Airforce, and Coast Guard members&Veterans! I'm a proud American because of you.
Never in the service but he seamed like a man who could motivate a rock to roll ! Thanks to all service men and women thanks for keeping watch over America and its people while we get on with our lives i for one see you all from time to time and the ones i cant see i know your there ! I appreciate you all
Semper Fi Gunny, you are "The Guy", every professional soldier in the entire World admires and respect you Sir, God be with you Chief!!! Greetings from Brazil.
Met him at an NRA gun show several years ago. His insults remind me of a time long long ago! He doesn't even have to speak, those eyes and that look put the fear of God in you! Great man!
I was in the relatively easiest Air Force boot camp but this guy reminds me of my OWN drill instructor in a million little ways! All of them do an incredible job of turning individuals into those who can function in a military environment and even then the washout rate is about 1 out of every 4 who go to boot camp!
I was an marine from 75-78 honorably discharged in 81 and just saying once a marine one for every just wearing a different uniform when you get out, and I’ve lived my life with the structure and discipline that I was taught in boot camp, and yes ive had my struggles with alcohol and drugs but im still standing tall and proud knowing that my marine corps training will always lead me to the higher ground despite the man I am at the moment. I’ve been drug clean for 28 yrs now and my marine corps training has helped me be the man I am now. Semper Fi devil dogs love you brothers and sisters
Wish I could've met this man, everyone that talks about him has nothing but positive things to say, and every time i see interviews with him he seems like he was a real great guy. RIP R. Lee Ermey
He is right. DI's did not need to talk dirty, although they fluently could when the situation called for it. They could melt you into your boots with sarcasm and never use an off color word. I so miss Mail Call with Gunny Ermey. I watch little TV but would go out of my way to see it whenever I could. In him I could see a little of all the DI's I had contact with.
I had admired and envied R Lee Ermey from the instant I first saw him in "Full Metal Jacket" until his passing, even though I never had the pleasure of meeting him. For a bit of trivia, all I have to offer is the fact that I was in boot camp at MCRD, PI, SC at the same time the Everly Brothers and R Lee 'Gunny' Ermey were in boot camp at MCRD, SD, CA. He joined at 17 years of age and his Serial Number was lower than mine. Therefore, had we always remained the same rank and had been promoted at the same time, he always would have been senior to me forever. Most are familiar with the old adage, "Only the good die young"! Well, 'Gunny', you were a year younger...RIP...Oooh Rah...Semper Fi.
Got to chat with him once a week most every Thursday or Friday at MCRD San Diego in the late 80's. He would set up a table to sign autographs and chat with parents before graduation in front of the Exchange. Quite the gentleman. Solid Corps, through and through.
I met him a few years ago as t the NRA Convention in Houston. There was a long line of fans waiting to speak to him and get an autograph we all stuck it out and we were all the better for it.
He was the only reason why I wanted to join the USMC but I didn't qualify but r l Lee ermy was my role model I miss him from lock and load Mail call & full metal jacket I only served in army JROTC in highschool for 3.5 years Rip r l Lee ermy Gone but never forgotten Oorah marine carry on 🕊️ Of peace
When I was 16, a year after Full Metal Jacket, I was reading an article in Newsweek about Lee Ermey. It said he lived in Palm Desert, CA. I took a chance and called directory assistance. His number was listed and I called him. We spoke over 30 mins. He was so incredibly nice. We talked about Full Metal Jacket, the Marine Corps, and he told me he just finished making a movie called Mississippi Burning. I told him I had written Stanley Kubrick a letter but he didn't write me back, to which he joked, "He didn't write me back either!" I'll never forget that phone call.
I have so much respect for Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey. I always tell my friends that if you want to know how my basic training was, watch Full Metal Jacket. The only exception was that the Drill Sargents did not openly strike the pukes. But if we were called into their office, that was a different story. Luckily, I was never called into the Drill Sargent's office. R.I.P. Gunny Ermey. You are missed.
I would have loved to have met this man. The Gunny is the epitome of a man’s man. He tells it how it is, blunt, straight forward. We need more men like the Gunny. You be missed dearly by the Corp and whose lives you’ve brought entertainment to it. I’m not a Marine but Ooo-Rah.
My wife and I ,(She was my girlfriend at the time) went to see Full Metal Jacket. When R. Lee Ermey spoke for the first time in that movie. The hair came up on my back! I leaned over to my wife and said "That's a real D.I." She replied. "That's an actor, not a D.I." My reply was "NO ONE CAN ACT AS A D.I. like that. He's THE REAL DEAL". I crossed the parade deck on Parris Island in 1974. I know the real deal. Ooh-Rah! Gunny. R.I.P.
Sometimes, very rarely, you get an actor who is just as honorable and tough as the character they play. James Doohan was one. R. Lee Ermey was another one, one of the few. We are far poorer without him.
I have always been a fan of the funny and really enjoyed that piece he did from the siege of firebase Gloria. I of course, watched and loved him in full metal jacket. However, you hear little of the siege of firebase Gloria.
Met him in 2013 at the SEMA show in Vegas. He was working at the Rugged Ridge/Omix ADA booth signing autographs. Got a couple of photos with him and a signed photo of him that hangs in my living room. Really nice and humble guy, will never forget that day.
I Am a U.S. Army Fighting Machine, starting My 20 plus years of service in the Combat Infantry as a lowly private & finished a board passed Captain Promotable. I also have the utmost respect for all servicemembers that serve Honorably. I have many Marine Brothers as friends & highly regard GST Ermey's contributions to train the fighting forces during the Vietnam Era & beyond! Once a Marine, always one!
I meet him once in the movie theater in Lancaster, CA. He was right behind me in the concession line. I heard him talking and I had to turn around to make sure. We had a nice little conversation.
I was fortunate to meet him a couple years before he passed away at an auto show. He graciously signed his his autograph for me and I noticed he did it purposely and slow. I made a joke that everyone else at this convention signed their name in less than a second. He told me his name was very important to him and wanted to do it right. From that moment I change my signature and wrote it as best I could, just like GySgt Ermey taught me.
Never knew the man, just admired him. My Grandfather was a Marine that saw action on Iwo Jima, and my uncle was a Marine in Vietnam. My only Marine experience was to sit and listen to them when I was a kid growing up in the 70's. And memorizing Gunny Ermey's entire Full Metal Jacket dialogue was not only something fun, but something real. RIP, Sir!!
And the reason why, is due directly to Marine Corps Drill Instrucotrs just like you Gunnery Sargent R. Lee Ermry. This salute, rendendered in full *Salute* US Army
he was my neighbor when i was a kid in Palmdale , ca , and he would come over when we would have a cookout , he was the most famous person i knew of because he was in a movie , he was a very gentle but firm man on values , a generation you wouldn't believe if you weren't there , im glad they named a street in his honor :)
He sounds like a good man. From what I know he was. If he was that close to you, you were probably family to him, you have my condolences. Guys like him are made like tacks with glue on the end of them, stick to anything they want. Enjoy yourself friend
What a nice story, thanks for sharing
I remember seeing him in Lancaster from time to time
I met him! He was a great man!
Bullshit.
He's not lying. I've had Marine enlisted high school friends go on to become engineers, lawyers, nurses, boilermakers, expert welders. RIP Gunny Ermey.
Military people learn the tools of respect, professionalism, hard work, and determination. Those who learn to apply those skills outside of their military life will always be successful! It's only the ones that don't realize you don't have to give up those skill sets when you leave that end up on the street.
Enlisted definitely doesn't mean stupid. Usually it's an economic thing where people don't have opportunities for employment or their families aren't wealthy enough to pay for college.
Got 3 Marines in my life. First is my uncle a Vietnam era Marine. He's not the sharpest knife in the drawer but one of the hardest working and most caring individuals. He practically raised me when my father got so abusive that my uncle beat the hell out of my father and I lived with him for almost a year.
Second is my best friend and business partner. He's a 2000s Marine. Smart, hard working, and funny as hell. We spend hours pulling pranks on each other and our employees just to keep morale high. He will laugh so hard when I spout off the dirtiest jokes I know. He was my friend before I started my business. He came to work for me in the beginning but just 2 years ago I made him a partner. I plan for him and my son to run it when I retire in the next decade.
Lastly is my cousin's husband. He's a late 90s Marine. He's the dumbest, laziest, all around waste of the uniform. He was a Marine for a little over a year when he fell off the back of a truck. He was discharged for a back injury. He uses that as a crutch to not do anything. Once while at his father in laws place he was complaining about his back saying he couldn't help us destroy an old cabin because it would hurt too much afterwards. His father in law and I laughed so hard. We both talked about our injuries. I've got 3 fused vertebrae and nerve damage keeping me in constant pain yet I work in the building trades one of the most physical jobs you can have yet I was running a chainsaw, swinging a sledgehammer, and loading lumber in the back of our trucks
Intelligence isn't a virtue like honesty, integrity, discipline, compassion and kindness.
some become master toolmakers :P
Ooh-Rah Gunny rest easy Marine.
Is he not just going to hell to regroup 🙂?
@@klabusterbeere7244SNCOIC for 1 Area Guard Platoon for the gates of Heaven. Just for being stupid, you're pulling double fire watch tonight. SCRIBE! Put Private Numbnuts down for extra fire watch tonight, and make sure they are separate and evenly spaced between lights out and Reveille. 😄😄
@@klabusterbeere7244 Nah. Michael, Gabriel, and the rest of the archangels needed him to help square the Heavenly Host away.
Gunny in Heaven: Jesus H Christ, Marine! Jesus: Sir! Yes, SIR!
😂😂😂
Oh Gracious Heavenly Father hold this man in your warm embrace. We need more like him.
Gunny is making sure that the Marines that are lined up on Heaven's streets are standing tall and squared away. May the Lord Illuminate his soul. SEMPER FI GUNNY!
So hard to believe he's gone. It was so untimely.
Gunny running the army of the Lord through drills for the end of days.
. . . more like him, especially NOW! s/f
@@teller1290almost like the deep state has something to do with it
Had the pleasure to meet this man. It was an honor.
You will never forget that a true oner
Me too at the Shot show in Vegas a year before he passed away.
They don’t make actors like him again. He defined a generation’s view on so much!
@@williamboo9017 he might be an actor but the way he acts so flawlessly when in a military role came from experience.
Yes it was.
My dad became a Marine at 18. When he passed away at 76 he was still a proud Marine. 27 years ago.😢
Once a marine, always a marine!
Semper Fi....❤
Ooh-Rah for your hero, your Dad, God bless!
@@Gregory-sm9pf Thank you sir.
@@hardheadjames3624 very welcome!
Met this man twice. Once on a golf course for a Marine charity drive, and when he came to speak to the Young Marines at Battalion Encampment. Gracious in his time and his love of all Marines, both young and old.
We miss you Gunny! Ooh-Rah!
Wish I could hear him dress down our current leadership at the Pentagon.
Holy Crap, that would be hysterical
Absolutely!!
Of course that would include the commander-in-chief!
…And General Milley.
@@duffmason734LOVE TO HEAR HIM DRESS DOWN THAT YELLOWBELLY DRAFT DODGEING COWARD trump
I'm a 'Proud 'Hollywood Marine who 'Marched on your Parade Deck' In Platoon 167 starting on the 26th of November 1965. The same year you were training Recruits in the Third Recruit Training Bn. Later on 'Humped' the 'Jungles and Rice Paddies' of the 'An Hoa Valley', 'Arizona Territory' and 'Dodge City of the Quang Nam Province of Nam.' Semper Fi Gunny!
G/2/5 68-69
To this Marine, I served with G 2/5 3rd platoon 1976. You Marines were legendary to us. To live up to our Corps standard, but then belonging to G 2/5 meant something special. Thank you Sir.
@@juancastro5422now look at ya with those pronouns
Welcome home sir thank you for your service
My dad was a DI 65-69 1st Bn. He had a Plt 167. Last name Hollie. Semper Fidelis
@@juancastro5422 nice pronouns you guys got these days
I met this man many years ago as a kid at a gun show. Met him a couple more times and he remembered me and we talked about our collections and hunting and sport shooting. I met his son as well, Clinton. When he passed I told Clinton of the times we talked and he told me he was auctioning off some of Ermeys guns off and the money would go to Marine Corps charities. it was called "The Gunny's Guns". I was able to purchase a parker brothers double barrel shotgun 12 gauge hammer gun apparently he bird hunted with. Came with a picture of him holding it and Clinton had a certificate notarized that it was in fact his dads. It hangs in good company quietly above my fireplace next to a marine corps sword that was given to me, and underneath that an Albright Pennsylvania long rifle made in the late 18th century very early 19th century. A small piece from such a larger than life man!
Damn and i thought the calvary remington octagonal rifle my great great great uncle got when he became an officer that rifle settled the west but a gifted marine corps saber and one of r lee ermeys guns please tell me you have family to pass them on to that will not sell them
Great story!! Semper Fi
@@todydn The saber was a gift from a very close friend who served in Korea and Vietnam. All of my gun collection is categorized and cataloged from my belt feds, to my Johnson rifle, Garands and Ermey's shotgun. I do not have children as of yet and toddler nephew and niece. My two best friends are currently in control of my will unless my girlfriend and I get married and have children. When my brothers kids get older I will see how they treat his gun collection. With interest or not. If not, my two best friends who have spent over 20 years shooting them with me will get them. If I have kids or family that love them then one is promised my FAL STG58c and the other one of my Krag rifles, and one of my Krag carbines. The rest will go to family who will appreciate it.
@@enricomandragona163 Make sure that Semper Fi is for the Gunny, I didn't serve, it doesn't belong for me.
@@bad74maverick1 Neither here nor there!! It applies to your comment!!
There will never be another, Semper Fi
“Today, you people are no longer maggots. Today, you are Marines. You're part of a brotherhood. From now on until the day you die, wherever you are, every Marine is your brother. Most of you will go to Vietnam. Some of you will not come back. But always remember this: Marines die. That's what we're here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU live forever.”
my favorite lines from that movie.
“Old soldiers never die; and they don’t fade away”
Soldier, not a marine, but boy is that true. Every time I meet a fellow serviceman there's an unspoken realization that goes beyond personality or background. We're a different breed, for better and worse. But I wouldn't hesitate to have any of their backs. A civilian won't stick around when things fall apart. It's all excuses and it's tough working with them. But you get a fellow soldier, an airman or sailor, even a marine, and we will all stay until the job is done. It's something that's been hammered into you over a long time and it sticks with you. It sucked while I was in, but you come to miss it once you return to normal life.
@@davewebster5120 Ain't that the truth. Once retired from the service and gone on to work with civilians, the first thing that amazed me was how much "lunch hour" meant to them. I thought, damn - how many meals did I miss because the operation came first, and these people are standing at a timeclock (ready to swipe) so they don't check out not one minute after 12!!!!
🫡
I got to meet Gunny in 2004 when he did an episode of Mail Call with my unit. We were in Afghanistan at the time, and I’ve watched the episode fondly many times since.
Rest easy Gunny, we got it from here.
He was probably over there a couple weeks. I met him in Dec 2003 at a “bazaar” at Bagram AB. The locals were selling old Lee Enfields for dirt cheap and the Gunny was there smiling ear to ear. Very gracious man talked to all who recognized him like a regular guy back home would
@@brianwilke592 you and I were there at the same time brother. I arrived in country in July of 03.
Saw him at an NRA event. So friendly and smiley. He made NOONE do any push-ups that day! He took it easy on us!
LoL!
Military needs more people like him
Ooh-Rah Gunny. YOU Are the Marines Marine!
Semper Fi, Forever and Ever Amen!!
I used to fly helicopters professionally and Ermey’s house and metal barn was nearby. I always loved flying overhead and seeing him come out and wave to us on occasion.
His lines from full metal jacket and the siege of fire base Gloria. Damn it’s been years since I watched both the films but man those lines from those movies stick out in my mind.
His line from "Purple Hearts", when the camp was being overrun.
"Captain, Sir. You're the only officer left. Get your ass outta this trench and take command."
It was great when he did the Siege of Firebase Gloria lines. He missed the line “there is no such thing as an atheist in the combat situation”. 😊
@@BreakTime10101 yep. Thanks for the reminder. But since it’s gunny I will let it pass.
Went to see Fullmetal jacket some things I laughed at my wife said that's not funny I said you had to be there others in theaters chuckled too semper fi
Great movie
I don't care what branch of service. This real life Marine Drill Instructor is an inspiration to this retired US Army Ranger (scrool not only tab). For 21 years, and every deployment that I went through. I still couldn't hold a handle a candle to this Superior Marine
I met the Gunny at a law enforcement conference in Denver, 2010. He was working for Glock firearms promoting their products.
What an amazing guy and spoke to him about serving your country and his love, dedication to the Marine Corp. Gunny, I've got your 6 any damn day. Semper Fi
I'm retired Army who has met more than a few Marines in my career and have worked with quite a few prior service ones in my current job. Semper Fi to each and everyone of them! And thank you for your service too. RIP Gunny! PS Loved this guy in several movies I saw him star in, including FULL METAL JACKET! Brilliant. Also loved MAIL CALL too.
My dad served in the Marines for 30 years. E-1 to E-9 (MGST) in 11 years, Korea and Vietnam, 3 Purple Hearts and Medal of Valor. He was a Drill Instructor after Vietnam before being forced into Limited Duty Officer as a Prosecutor for JAG. 89 years old now and still kicking. Rode a Harley Davidson until he turned 87. They don't make men like that anymore. Old School Marines are legends.
Ooh-Rah to a true hero, your Dad, your dad would kick Rambo's ass
Wow
Please tell him, what many never said, "Welcome home, Brother!" from a fellow Viet Nam vet. U.S. Army RVN, '67-'69.
@@ffellini Will do.
I THANK HIM.
I was lucky to know him when I was a DI working at STB from 1966-1970 at MCRD San Diego. I lost contact with him after that but I Went on to OCS Quantico VA after my last Of 3 tours in Vietnam 🇻🇳. My HE RIP. GYSGT Retired. Marines 1962-1980 and now 100% VA
100%VA
I was at MCRD San Diego 1966 Platoon 3044.
That is 100 percent disabled veteran per the v a.
A HERO IS SOMEONE WHO HAS DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN HIMSELF!!! THANK YOU SIR!!!
He was right: the recruits today are good. The problem is we need to keep in place the traditions that MAKE them good.
I had the opportunity to shake His hand as well! He IS something else! I love You Man!
A true American, warrior, patriot and forever and always a Marine.
Semper Fi Gunny
Boy I miss him.. Miss Roll Call big time.. he was holding back tears.. there’s no crying in the Marines… what a legend..
What a legend this guy is. From Mailcall to Full Metal Jacket and other TV shows and movies, his voice and name is unique. RIP LEGEND
You could see in his eyes that he means what he says about it being an honor and important, and it means something to him.
RIP.
God bless you, Gunny. Wherever you are.
Thanks for your service, Gunny! Thanks to all of you Marines, Navy, Army, Airforce, and Coast Guard members&Veterans! I'm a proud American because of you.
I have always had the utmost respect for GySgt. Lee Ermey.
The Marines Marine
He is one of my many heroes. A true “Patriot!” I miss him! He is good!
Never in the service but he seamed like a man who could motivate a rock to roll ! Thanks to all service men and women thanks for keeping watch over America and its people while we get on with our lives i for one see you all from time to time and the ones i cant see i know your there ! I appreciate you all
Semper Fi Gunny, you are "The Guy", every professional soldier in the entire World admires and respect you Sir, God be with you Chief!!! Greetings from Brazil.
Met him at an NRA gun show several years ago. His insults remind me of a time long long ago! He doesn't even have to speak, those eyes and that look put the fear of God in you! Great man!
I was in the relatively easiest Air Force boot camp but this guy reminds me of my OWN drill instructor in a million little ways! All of them do an incredible job of turning individuals into those who can function in a military environment and even then the washout rate is about 1 out of every 4 who go to boot camp!
this great man shall be rememberd as long as i breath air. amen
I was an marine from 75-78 honorably discharged in 81 and just saying once a marine one for every just wearing a different uniform when you get out, and I’ve lived my life with the structure and discipline that I was taught in boot camp, and yes ive had my struggles with alcohol and drugs but im still standing tall and proud knowing that my marine corps training will always lead me to the higher ground despite the man I am at the moment. I’ve been drug clean for 28 yrs now and my marine corps training has helped me be the man I am now. Semper Fi devil dogs love you brothers and sisters
Wish I could've met this man, everyone that talks about him has nothing but positive things to say, and every time i see interviews with him he seems like he was a real great guy. RIP R. Lee Ermey
I love this gudrillinstructor i lissen mutch to him . Big salute to you sir from this drill sergeant instructor from the Dutch marine corps
He is right. DI's did not need to talk dirty, although they fluently could when the situation called for it. They could melt you into your boots with sarcasm and never use an off color word. I so miss Mail Call with Gunny Ermey. I watch little TV but would go out of my way to see it whenever I could. In him I could see a little of all the DI's I had contact with.
I had admired and envied R Lee Ermey from the instant I first saw him in "Full Metal Jacket" until his passing, even though I never had the pleasure of meeting him. For a bit of trivia, all I have to offer is the fact that I was in boot camp at MCRD, PI, SC at the same time the Everly Brothers and R Lee 'Gunny' Ermey were in boot camp at MCRD, SD, CA. He joined at 17 years of age and his Serial Number was lower than mine. Therefore, had we always remained the same rank and had been promoted at the same time, he always would have been senior to me forever.
Most are familiar with the old adage, "Only the good die young"! Well, 'Gunny', you were a year younger...RIP...Oooh Rah...Semper Fi.
The day GUNNY was interred at Arlington National Cemetery I yelled from Fort Myer “Welcome Home”. We miss you Gunny.
One of the few to get a promotion after EAS, rest easy Gunny
Got to chat with him once a week most every Thursday or Friday at MCRD San Diego in the late 80's. He would set up a table to sign autographs and chat with parents before graduation in front of the Exchange. Quite the gentleman. Solid Corps, through and through.
You mean sell autographs
Keeping heavens streets safe. Rest easy Gunny, you are missed.
I met him a few years ago as t the NRA Convention in Houston. There was a long line of fans waiting to speak to him and get an autograph we all stuck it out and we were all the better for it.
Wish I was there
He was the only reason why I wanted to join the USMC but I didn't qualify but r l Lee ermy was my role model
I miss him from lock and load
Mail call & full metal jacket
I only served in army JROTC in highschool for 3.5 years
Rip r l Lee ermy
Gone but never forgotten Oorah marine carry on
🕊️ Of peace
One of my favorite Earthlings of all time.
We miss you Gunny. Keep resting easy.
When I was 16, a year after Full Metal Jacket, I was reading an article in Newsweek about Lee Ermey. It said he lived in Palm Desert, CA. I took a chance and called directory assistance. His number was listed and I called him. We spoke over 30 mins. He was so incredibly nice. We talked about Full Metal Jacket, the Marine Corps, and he told me he just finished making a movie called Mississippi Burning. I told him I had written Stanley Kubrick a letter but he didn't write me back, to which he joked, "He didn't write me back either!" I'll never forget that phone call.
He definitely brings back memories and goosebumps from when i went in. R.I.P Devil dog, Semper Fi
I have so much respect for Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey. I always tell my friends that if you want to know how my basic training was, watch Full Metal Jacket. The only exception was that the Drill Sargents did not openly strike the pukes. But if we were called into their office, that was a different story. Luckily, I was never called into the Drill Sargent's office. R.I.P. Gunny Ermey. You are missed.
Awesome. He will always be remembered
I was in the Army. I will always miss him. I am proud of him. Always. Semper fi.
This MAN IS, HONOR, DUTY, RESPECT and a GENTLEMAN.
Ive never been more honored to hear this
Great man, even still i am a Navy Vet. Rest in peace Marine
Sure do miss you GySgt.
I would have loved to have met this man. The Gunny is the epitome of a man’s man. He tells it how it is, blunt, straight forward. We need more men like the Gunny. You be missed dearly by the Corp and whose lives you’ve brought entertainment to it. I’m not a Marine but Ooo-Rah.
Never had the pleasure to meet him, but from what I knew of him and his many accomplishments, he was one of the greats!
Beast I wish he was still here
Once a Marine....Always a Marine. Semper Fi Gunnery Sgt!
I meet him once. Great man. He was the exception to the rule of meeting your heroes. I hated leaving the corps, but it was time for me after 10 years.
My wife and I ,(She was my girlfriend at the time) went to see Full Metal Jacket. When R. Lee Ermey spoke for the first time in that movie. The hair came up on my back! I leaned over to my wife and said "That's a real D.I." She replied. "That's an actor, not a D.I." My reply was "NO ONE CAN ACT AS A D.I. like that. He's THE REAL DEAL". I crossed the parade deck on Parris Island in 1974. I know the real deal. Ooh-Rah! Gunny. R.I.P.
Sometimes, very rarely, you get an actor who is just as honorable and tough as the character they play. James Doohan was one. R. Lee Ermey was another one, one of the few. We are far poorer without him.
But will always be better because of him.
The first time is saw this man was the show Space Above and Beyond. He instantly became the iconic image a drill instructor to me.
Love this man.
He was a good man. May he rest in peace.
I have always been a fan of the funny and really enjoyed that piece he did from the siege of firebase Gloria. I of course, watched and loved him in full metal jacket. However, you hear little of the siege of firebase Gloria.
I still miss him.This made me cry because that's how much I miss him.
It was a sad day in U s m c
Always wanted to meet an talk to him when I was growing up, even now. But sadly never did. Such a good person and a good marine!
Godbless R. Lee Erney, the entire reason I like the Marine Corps as much as I do now
Ooorah! Wish i had the opportunity to meet this man
Listening to Ermey actually makes me miss basic training. Fort Bliss Texas 1989. 2nd platoon echo company 232nd ADA. I miss those guys.
Rest In Peace Gunny !!!
Rest easy you did more than you thought you did. Much respect for you.
Heaven is for Heroes, R.I.P. GySgt. R. Lee Ermey, Orr-Rah! Semper-Fi.
Met him in 2013 at the SEMA show in Vegas. He was working at the Rugged Ridge/Omix ADA booth signing autographs. Got a couple of photos with him and a signed photo of him that hangs in my living room. Really nice and humble guy, will never forget that day.
I Am a U.S. Army Fighting Machine, starting My 20 plus years of service in the Combat Infantry as a lowly private & finished a board passed Captain Promotable. I also have the utmost respect for all servicemembers that serve Honorably. I have many Marine Brothers as friends & highly regard GST Ermey's contributions to train the fighting forces during the Vietnam Era & beyond! Once a Marine, always one!
I did 24 years. I respect anyone who served honorably and consider them to all be brothers and sisters. Military is one special family.
Heard every single word, every single insult from the movie every single day on Parris Island. But we had 12 weeks instead of 8. Almost 50yrs ago now.
God that man was a legend.
Gunnery Sargent ermey was and still is one of the old school marines.semper fi gunny rest in peàce.
"Minister of death praying for war😂 he is definitely headed for Valhalla
I meet him once in the movie theater in Lancaster, CA. He was right behind me in the concession line. I heard him talking and I had to turn around to make sure. We had a nice little conversation.
I was fortunate to meet him a couple years before he passed away at an auto show. He graciously signed his his autograph for me and I noticed he did it purposely and slow. I made a joke that everyone else at this convention signed their name in less than a second. He told me his name was very important to him and wanted to do it right. From that moment I change my signature and wrote it as best I could, just like GySgt Ermey taught me.
Never knew the man, just admired him.
My Grandfather was a Marine that saw action on Iwo Jima, and my uncle was a Marine in Vietnam.
My only Marine experience was to sit and listen to them when I was a kid growing up in the 70's.
And memorizing Gunny Ermey's entire Full Metal Jacket dialogue was not only something fun, but something real.
RIP, Sir!!
Semper Fidelis Marine! Love you Gunny!
Proper legend he will always be.
Rah Gunny rest in peace
I met him years ago. Took a picture with him on the flight deck during flight ops. He signed it later on the mess decks. Great man!
I miss him.
He inspired me in my Military Time ( four years). Thank you and RIP
And the reason why, is due directly to Marine Corps Drill Instrucotrs just like you Gunnery Sargent R. Lee Ermry.
This salute, rendendered in full
*Salute*
US Army
I also had the joy of spending a couple of hours with him. Got pictures with him as well, loved him!
My dad served with him in Nam.
My husband was a DI and loved every minute of his service.
Boys in company C was the first time I had seen him,you never stop being a Marine RIP Gunny