R. Lee Ermey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and iconic Hollywood actor, passed away on April 15, 2018 at 74 years of age. Ermey enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1961, eventually achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He served ten years at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, during which time he provided guidance and instruction to thousands of young men entering the Corps. After his retirement in 1971, Ermey began his career in entertainment, first appearing in an episode of the television series “FTR: Full Throttle Marine.” Ermey is best known for his breakout film role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick's “Full Metal Jacket.” He won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role, and received praise for his convincing and gruff portrayal of a hardened drill instructor. Ermey went on to appear in television and film, playing both comedic and dramatic roles in shows like “M.A.S.H.”, “Toy Story”, and “Scrubs.” Ermey’s other career pursuits included writing, directing, hosting, and producing, and he authored two books about his military service: “The Seed & The Soil” and “GunnyTime.” Ermey was an avid supporter of law enforcement, veterans, and service members, and was fondly remembered as a beloved patriot and entertainer. He is survived by his wife, Nila Ermey, and four children.