USMC Veteran Elmer Ugarte's Tattoo Story
From the time he could remember, Elmer Ugarte wanted to be a Marine. He says he didn’t get his first tattoo until it actually meant something to him.
“It meant something to me when I got shot.”
He has four military tattoos:
An eagle, globe with an anchor
A bullet casing with the carabiner that is said to have saved his life, along with the date he was shot and “you only live twice” in Arabic
And another that says, “in death there is life.”
A grim reaper
He plans to get more ink to honor his fallen brothers.
“I’m not who I was anymore. I’m a completely different person. I’ll never be who I was before I got shot.”
Elmer still struggles with PTSD and says he wants other service members to know they are not alone.
"Sometimes it’s hard to admit it. There’s a lot of people willing to help you; you just have to give them a chance."
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About VETERAN INK
We are dedicated to the brave service members who have served our country. Many of these Veterans want to share their story through ink. We help make those stories thrive.
Share Your Story
We are always looking for new stories and ink to share. If you would like to be featured on our website, submit your tattoo today. Click here to submit your story.
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VETERAN INK, Inc. is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 87-1307583. All donations are deemed tax-deductible absent any limitations on deductibility applicable to a particular taxpayer. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution.
About VETERAN INK
We are dedicated to the brave service members who have served our country. Many of these Veterans want to share their story through ink. We help make those stories thrive.
Share Your Story
We are always looking for new stories and ink to share. If you would like to be featured on our website, submit your tattoo today. Click here to submit your story.
Social Media
See more of VETERAN INK on our social media platforms.
VETERAN INK, Inc. is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 87-1307583. All donations are deemed tax-deductible absent any limitations on deductibility applicable to a particular taxpayer. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution.