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USMC Veteran Nick Martinez's Tattoo Story

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. 

Nick
Nick
Nick
Nick
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