American By Birth, Marine By Choice and Saved By Grace

Submitting a tat I waited more than long enough to get for myself. My own design. Was in from ’74 to ’96. One of the youngest in ‘Nam (as a comm/intel/crypto Marine). 2542/Comm Center Man. Wasn’t really ‘there’ (covert stuff). Anyway, had the pleasure of serving as General Al Gray’s Comm Chief during Gulf War I at HQMC under President Bush in ’90 (that doesn’t mean much except to another Marine). Closed the oldest Marine post (Marine Barracks Philadelphia) at the Navy Ship Yard in ’94 then moved the MWSS to the Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Willow Grove to finally retire as a MSgt (made MSgt in 20 years) in ’96. Finally got the tat last August with the design help of my family (upper left shoulder). American by birth, Marine by choice and Saved by Grace. MSgt Montney, USMC, ’74 – ’96 read more

EGA with USMC lettering

I like how this one came out. It’s meant to be displayed (as photographed) when I cross my arms, or when I am driving with my arm out the window, or riding my motorcycle. I dig it. The tattoo further up on my arm of the Skull, K-Bar, Wrench and Brush was subtly related to my Marine Corps service (K-Bar was the representation) and other parts of my life. I knew this big EGA tattoo was going to be next so I wasn’t too worried if people didn’t “get it”. This spot on my forearm is much more prominent and will be seen much more, and thats where I wanted my EGA to be. And together they look pretty awesome. read more

Continental Marines 1775

I have been out of the USMC for almost 20 years, but always wanted a USMC tattoo. I like history, so I wanted a USMC tattoo that was historically significant and off-the-beaten-path, so I chose the Continental Marines insignia that is depicted on the USMC’s dress uniform buttons. This piece was done at Old Anchor Tattoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan. read more