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.