Gunny R. Lee Ermey Unplugged

Revered to this day by millions for delivering perhaps the most riveting verbal tirade in war film history as Marine Corps senior drill instructor Sgt Hartman in the 1987 Stanley Kubrick film Full Metal Jacket, retired US Marine GySgt R. Lee Ermey remains a hot commodity in the entertainment industry and a popular highpower rifle competitor at Camp Perry.

In addition to his June reprisal as the voice of ‘Sarge’ in Toy Story 3, the 66-year-old Ermey can also be seen daily as a short-fused drill instructor-turned-dispassionate therapist in a witty GEICO insurance television commercial. GEICO liked it so much, they asked him back to record five radio spots. In most of his roles Ermey plays hard-edged authority figures, thanks to his early film work.

While in camp for the 2010 National Matches, Ermey took time away from the firing line in August to share his thoughts about his life experiences, shooting sports and a variety of topics important to him. It was Ermey’s fourth consecutive visit to the National Matches, where he fires in CMP National Trophy Matches and NRA highpower events.

Life on the Farm Ermey was born in Emporia, Kansas in 1944 and a few years later moved to a small farm about 18 miles west of Kansas City. They lived there until he turned 14. His childhood memories are rich with stories of farm life and hunting with five brothers, each one year apart.

Steve Perry had an opportunity to sit down with Gunny for an interview. Head on over and give it a read at
http://www.odcmp.org/1010/default.asp?page=RLEEERMEY