Nick got his first tattoo at the age of 16 after his brother passed away.

“When I got it, I got it on my ribs. I got it somewhere that I knew I wanted it. I wanted it to be seen… I wanted it to be monumental for him.”

He has several tattoos, but a few military-related ones are:

• “For those I love I will sacrifice” on his chest

• “Brotherhood is not by blood, it is by choice” on his right tricep

• A candy skull on his forearm to remind him that death is beautiful and it’s not something to dwell on

• “USMC” on his left tricep

•  A lion on his forearm to remind him to continue to push regardless of what happens in life

• A cross on his sternum to remind him to always keep his faith 

• “Semper Fi” on his ribs as a tribute to his older brother, who was also a Marine and was killed in action.

Nick served a total of four years. Although he wishes he could’ve served another four years, medically, he could not. 

He describes his military experience as “life-changing.” Nick says the military made him into the person he is today and reminds him not to take life for granted.