R. Lee Ermey Quotes

A collection of quotes by R. Lee Ermey.

R. Lee Ermey (1944-2018) was an American actor, voice actor, and retired United States Marine Corps staff sergeant. Born in Emporia, Kansas, Ermey enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17. During his 11-year military career, he served as a drill instructor, earning a reputation for his strict and commanding presence.

After retiring from the Marines, Ermey found success in the entertainment industry. He gained recognition for his breakthrough role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick's 1987 film "Full Metal Jacket," for which he received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. Ermey's portrayal of the iconic drill instructor remains one of his most memorable performances.

Ermey went on to appear in numerous films, often typecast as military or authoritative figures due to his commanding presence and military background. Some of his notable roles include movies like "Mississippi Burning," "Se7en," and "Toy Story." Additionally, Ermey lent his voice to characters in various animated series and video games.

Aside from his acting career, Ermey was an active supporter of the military and veterans, frequently participating in charity events and visiting troops deployed overseas. Ermey's dedication to his military roots and his undeniably memorable performances made him a beloved figure in both the acting industry and among veterans. He passed away on April 15, 2018, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor and an American military icon.

I disagree with a lot of those changes, however at the end o

I disagree with a lot of those changes, however at the end of the day - I go down to recruit graduation at least once or twice a year.

R. Lee Ermey


I don't have any respect at all for the scum-bags who went t

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


We had times in '66 and '67 when we would pick up a platoon

We had times in '66 and '67 when we would pick up a platoon of privates out of the receiving barracks the week before we even graduated the platoon that we were on!

R. Lee Ermey

Graduation

When you try to find funding for a VVA function, it doesn't

When you try to find funding for a VVA function, it doesn't seem like it's any trouble at all. People come out of the woodwork with their money to help out because we went over and fought a war.

R. Lee Ermey

Money

It's been a pretty fun ride, to tell you the truth.

It's been a pretty fun ride, to tell you the truth.

R. Lee Ermey

Truth

Even though I disagree with many of the changes, when I see

Even though I disagree with many of the changes, when I see the privates graduate at the end of the day, when they walk off that drill field at the end of the ceremony, they are still fine privates outstanding, well motivated privates.

R. Lee Ermey

Graduation

The biggest problem was the politicians knew nothing about f

The biggest problem was the politicians knew nothing about fighting a war.

R. Lee Ermey

War

It's my firm conviction that when Uncle Sam calls, by God we

It's my firm conviction that when Uncle Sam calls, by God we go, and we do the best that we can.

R. Lee Ermey

Best