R. Lee Ermey receives a Sultana coin

Yesterday I attended a large gathering of reenactors in San Pedro, California known as Old Fort MacArthur Days. It was an amazing event, billed as the largest gathering of reenactors in Southern California (surprising considering the number of costumed extras that are used on film shoots). In addition to a large number of Civil War regiments, there were living historians from the Roman era all the way thru World Wars I and II.

The celebrity in attendance was R. Lee Ermey, possibly best known for his role as the Sargeant in "Full Metal Jacket", but more recently as host of the History Channel's "Mail Call". (click here for his full list of film credits)

I introduced myself to him and immediately presented him with a Sultana Disaster coin. He and his producer indicated that they had heard of the Sultana, and then Mr. Ermey reached into his pocket and offered his own coin for trade (pictured - apparently Mr. Ermey is sponsored by handgun manufacturer Glock).

Bumping into celebrities is an everyday hazard of living in Los Angeles (I saw Al Pacino at my local Target a few weeks ago), but my encounter with former Marine R. Lee Ermey was a little intimidating - I think mostly because I was trying to represent the Sultana descendents, and knew I'd have to report the tale back here at this site.

(for my album of photos from Old Fort MacArthur Days click here)