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Saturday, January 10, 2015

Military Tattoos Evolution of Tributes

Military tattoos evolve into tributes in South Jersey 
Courier-Post
Carol Comegno
January 10, 2015
"The pain of getting those next tattoos was nothing compared to the pain of losing comrades in the fighting or the pain their families went through," concluded the Marine, a Westampton police officer who is still in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Marine Sgt. Andrew Einstein of Mount Laurel, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, displays his tattoo memorial for his friends who lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan, located on his torso. 01.06.15
(Photo: Chris LaChall/Courier-Post)
Andrew Einstein did what a lot of leathernecks do immediately after surviving Marine boot camp.

He got a tattoo.

It would not be the only one.

After tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Mount Laurel resident got several other symbols of his military service, including one emblazoned on his left rib cage to memorialize the death of two fellow Marines.

Army veteran Bruce Coleman of Marlton got one of his tattoos for the same reason — to remember fallen comrades in Iraq, where he served.

Younger veterans' tattoos are different than those worn by their World War II and Korean War counterparts — today, they are often larger, more colorful and artistic, relating more personal, intimate stories of their military service.

The 26-year-old Einstein disliked the feel of tattoo needles piercing his skin when he got that first Marine Corps emblem and vowed never to get another tattoo, but his attitude changed after considerable time spent in combat zones.

A second tattoo on his left shoulder and upper back signifies the stress of returning home.

"Now, I love tattoos. They tell my story," he freely admits.

"I had my battles adjusting to a lifestyle outside of war and dealing with the loss of those guys, so I got more tattoos and decided on a full rib cage tribute piece in honor of those we unfortunately lost.
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