Category: Tattoos

YAT-YAS TATTOO

Thanks for all of the complements regarding my new finished tattoo! Some might not understand why I would get a tattoo. To assist them in understanding I would love to point out a few small details about my tattoo. Why a “Screaming/Yelling Skull?” One might say it represents death…they would be correct, I have had 12 Marines that I consider my brothers die for my country, this is for them…and thousands of others…The “Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet (CVC),” is a helmet all Trackers wear while operating an Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV), which I used for ten years. The “Sun Dust Wind Goggles,” were issued to Trackers to protect our eyes from debris while operating our 26 ton AAVs,… in the reflection of the goggles is a skyline that is meant to represent Bagdad, Iraq…hopefully this is self explanatory,…Next is the M-16A2 Service Rifle, this was my issued weapon, I was very fluent with it and “She” was there with me through thick and thin, it also represents how Marines are warriors, qualifying at 200, 300, and 500 yards with iron sights, not to mention the conflicts this weapon has been successfully engaged in,…Next, The Marine Corps 1858 Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) Calvary Sword is the only sword still carried by enlisted personnel to this very day (Marine Corps Only), even though this is a weapon, today it is mainly used in formal Ceremonies like the Marine Corps Balls and Funerals, it was originally authorized to NCOs in recognition of leadership in combat, their virtue and tradition…once again honoring the fallen, it is also part of the most recognized uniform in the world the Marine Corps Dress Blue Uniform…The lettering USMC, is an acronym that needs no explanation,…The side lettering “YAT-YAS” is every Trackers motto, it’s an acronym for “You Ain’t Tracks-You Ain’t Shit,”…and yes “AIN’T” is a real word look it up in Webster’s Dictionary…next is “1833,” this is the AAV crewman Military Occupational Specialty designation number, 1833 is an Amphibious Assault Crewman, this is a combat MOS, so sorry ladies it’s a no go for you…Next why is the lettering so tattered and cracked? I did this to show Marines have been fighting for my country for over 236 years, we might be battered and bruised but we have stood the test of time,… Permanent, so our the things, people and morals it represents….If you understand what I’ve been through you would understand the significance and the importance of this tattoo. read more

45 Years in the making

Well 45 years in the making. On the right arm, so fouled anchor pointing forward/inboard. Doing some bucket list check-offs. Served as an Aviation Ordnanceman, with VMFA-542, VMFA-323 (both F-4 Phantom Squadrons), H&MS 11 (Mark 4 20MM Gun Shop Rebuild/Reload), MABS-32 (Bomb Dump) at DaNang and Chu Lia 1966-1967, 1969-1970. Did a lot of two man hand loading of Mark 81 (250#) Snakeyes and four man hand loading of Mark 82 (500#) Snakeyes. That was our Air Wing form of “Grunt”. Had to give the Snakeye a place in my design. Also, included my “old” Corps Serial Number and MOS at the bottom. Hope you enjoy it. Staff Sergeant on exit (1964–1974) Gene Hoover read more

Finally after 38 years I got it

Took me 38 years but I got it , My Best friend an Brother Marine of 49 years was suppose to get one with me but Mike passed on 30 August 2010 at the age of 55 . He was in the Airwing I used to bust his nuts about his MOS he was a 3051 supply clerk, I told him they made a mistake he should have been a 0351 rockets . Because I was an 0341 81’s . Anyway this is for both of us my Brother . Semper Fi R.I.P. Cpl Micheal Weare 09 August 1955- 30 August 2010 read more