R. Lee 'Gunny' Ermey Helps Heal the Wounds of War

R. Lee 'Gunny' Ermey Helps Heal the Wounds of War

CaringBridge(R) Enlists Hollywood Actor and Marine Corps Veteran to be the Voice of Hope for the U.S. Military's Wounded Personnel

EAGAN, Minn., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Movie fans remember R. Lee Ermey for his gritty, hard-hitting roles in films like "Full Metal Jacket" and "Apocalypse Now," but the families of military personnel wounded in war will soon be seeing a softer side. The former Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor and veteran actor has been enlisted to be the "Voice of Hope" for CaringBridge(R), a free, nonprofit Web service that connects families and friends when a family member or friend is facing critical medical treatment or recovery.

"As a retired Marine, who is still very much involved with the military, and who has seen first-hand what war does to young men and women physically and psychologically, I'm passionate about CaringBridge -- I believe it is crucial for our wounded military personnel to be able to communicate with their loved ones around the world. It not only relieves pressure on those undergoing medical treatment, but it also allows families, comrades and friends to help," Ermey says.

A Global Community of Care

Primarily funded by individual private donations, CaringBridge has quickly grown to become the largest charitable nonprofit Web site in the world, according to Nielsen Online's traffic rankings. The service hosts nearly 150,000 CaringBridge Web sites that have generated more than one half billion visits and 20 million messages of hope and encouragement -- not only for families of recuperating soldiers, but for anyone who wants to give or receive support when facing a serious medical condition, treatment or recovery.

Through CaringBridge Web sites, families can easily update those who care and still be able to focus their energies on the person who requires healing. Supporters stay involved by reading posted stories, viewing photos, signing guestbooks and leaving messages of love and support. At the same time, hospitals and treatment centers ensure patients receive the emotional support their patients need, especially when personal visits are not possible.

"R. Lee Ermey isn't an actor who has played a Marine -- he is a Marine. He's been there and experienced the wounds of war. He is the perfect person to deliver messages of hope to families who want so desperately to help and offer support to their loved ones who are recovering from critical injuries," says Sona Mehring, founder and executive director of CaringBridge.

A Man of Many roles: R. Lee Ermey

Prior to his successful acting career, Ermey served with the U.S. Marine Corps for 11 years, rising to the rank of staff NCO, serving two years as a drill instructor and a tour of duty in Vietnam. Under the G.I. Bill, Ermey studied drama at the University of Manila in the Philippines where Francis Ford Coppola was filming "Apocalypse Now" and cast Ermey in a featured role. He has since gone on to star or appear in more than 60 films. Ermey is a Golden Globe nominee and Boston Society of Film Critics Award winner for Best Supporting Actor in "Full Metal Jacket."

About CaringBridge

CaringBridge(R) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization offering free personalized Web sites to those wishing to stay in touch with family and friends when facing a serious medical condition, treatment or recovery. CaringBridge's mission is to bring together a global community of care, powered by the love of family and friends, in an easy, accessible and private way. CaringBridge is the conduit of information, hope, support and encouragement during a serious health condition. The goal is to ease the burden of keeping friends and family updated while also providing a way for them to send their love and encouragement. Nearly 150,000 CaringBridge Web Sites have been created and there have been over half a billion individual visits to those Web sites. For more information please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: CaringBridge

CONTACT: Kristi Nelson of Carmichael Lynch Spong, +1-612-375-8545,
kristi.nelson@clynch.com, for CaringBridge

Web site: http://www.caringbridge.org/

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