Caleb Carlson, a sophomore studying business with a concentration in international business, served four years in the Army:
“I had my sun tattoo done in 2012, before my first deployment to Afghanistan, as sort of a starting bookend for the journey ahead. My father had a sun tattoo, although dissimilar to my own and on the opposite arm, so it was a symbol that I grew up with and associated with the strength and assertiveness of my father. So I took that symbol and made it my own, both in its image and by placing it on the opposite arm, to represent that while I share aspects with him, I am my own man, with my own legend to build into the symbol.”
Brent Blackwell’s tattoo of a ship represents his journey of military service.
Brent Blackwell, a junior in pre-med studying kinesiology, served in the Army for seven years:
“I got this tattoo in 2010 while on leave from the military. I was getting ready for my second deployment, so they let us go home for a couple weeks before we deployed. I chose a ship tattoo because I thought it symbolized my journey. I was always on the move, always headed somewhere new. I chose this style because I am a big fan of the “Traditional Tattoo” style, and I chose the middle of my right forearm to encourage me to work toward a whole sleeve. (It unfortunately didn’t work. I didn’t get further than this).”
Editor’s note: The Symbols of Service exhibit on the first floor of the Main Library features tattoos and personal narratives of current student veterans and highlights stories of service, sacrifice and military culture. The display was created to commemorate Veterans Day, and it will be showcased for the month of November.
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