By Todd South
Chattanooga Times Free Press
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Former Marine drill instructor and movie actor R. Lee Ermey will speak at an upcoming benefit in honor of fallen Chattanooga police Sgt. Tim Chapin.
The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 13 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Proceeds from the Shooter’s Depot-hosted benefit dinner will go to the Chapin Family Memorial Educational Fund.
Chapin was killed April 2 while responding to an armed robbery call at the U.S. Money Shops on Brainerd Road.
Jesse Mathews, 25, was arrested and charged in connection with Chapin’s death.
Ermey gained fame with his portrayal of a Marine drill instructor in the 1987 film “Full Metal Jacket.” Ermey had served in the U.S. Marines as a drill instructor before medical retirement in 1971, according to a depot news release.
He has acted in more than 60 films, spent eight seasons hosting the show “Mail Call” and currently is hosting “Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey” on the History Channel.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come out, meet ‘The Gunny’ and have a great time all while benefiting a great cause,” said John Martin, Shooter’s Depot owner.
Copyright 2011 Chattanooga Publishing Company