Tattoo artists offer returning troops permanent patriotism

[thedrifter]

Tattoo artists offer returning troops permanent patriotism
By CHRIS BROWNLOW, HamptonRoads.com
? May 23, 2003
Last updated 6:57 PM May. 22


Making the term "Operation Iraqi Freedom" into a tattoo? Could be inky.
Some Marines and sailors have complained that "Operation Iraqi Freedom" wouldn't make a cool tattoo because the name lacks the toughness that "Desert Storm" had. Some said they would probably leave the term for the recent conflict out of their tattoos completely. (Story.)

HamptonRoads.com talked with staff at several local tattoo parlors this week to check whether they were designing "Operation Iraqi Freedom" tattoos for returning sailors and soldiers. Of those contacted, only Ancient Art Tattoo had artwork designed specifically for the Iraq conflict.

The manager of the shop said all 10 staff artists will be on duty and ready to pen these other patriotic tattoos on the men and women returning this week and next. Ancient Art also will offer a 20 percent discount for military members, he said.

Neither Blue Horseshoe Tattoo in Virginia Beach nor Army Navy Tattoo in Grafton has special "Iraqi Freedom" artwork ready, but both will do custom work upon request, staff members said. Blue Horseshoe also offers a military discount.

Jason Yordt from Inkspot Tattoo & Body Piercing in Hampton said the shop will offer tattoo artwork of all branches of the military as well as custom work and a 10 percent military discount. The shop recently held a fund-raiser in which all proceeds from tattoo purchases for one day benefited the USO of Hampton Roads.


Sempers,

Roger




Ancient Art Tattoo in Virginia Beach is offering artwork especially designed for those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by Justin Johnson / HamptonRoads.com.