14 Reasons Why "War Ink" Is Awesome

If you haven't heard, War Ink, an online art exhibit, launched this month. We dedicate this post to the veterans who shared their stories and ink, and to those willing to listen.

1. This Trust

Veteran Mike Ergo. USMC. Johann Wolf/War Ink

"My daughter was born the same month the Battle of Fallujah took place. Now November takes on a new meaning. It's no longer just doom and gloom. It's happy, and full of life."

-Mike Ergo

2. This Truth

Veteran Joel Booth, http://U.S. Navy. Served 2010-2013. JOHANN WOLF/WAR INK

"No training could have prepared us for war...Or how we had to change ourselves to survive it."

-Joel Booth

3. This Poignant Beauty

Heather Hayes. Active Duty Air Force. Johann Wolf/War Ink

“I don’t regret any tattoos because they all represent that moment in my life. It’s like a map of my journey. It’s art that I get to carry with me forever.”

-Heather Hayes

4. This Kind of Zen

Ryan Leva, http://U.S. Army. Served 2001-2008. JOHANN WOLF/WAR INK

"You have to go zen, you have to be focused, but at the same time able to flip the switch and get extreme."

-Ryan Le Va

5. This Stack of Dogtags

Russell Toll, http://U.S. Army. Served 2005-2012. JOHANN WOLF/WAR INK

“It’s essential for civilians to see the national actions they endorse through voting, or not, especially in the decision to wage war, which come at a terrible price. Real comprehension of that price, through our stories and our present lives, is necessary for an informed, reasoned and hopefully hesitant citizenry in the context of war.”

-Russell Toll

6. Because Being Known Matters

Veteran John Hammling. Johann Wolf/War Ink

"Ultimately, War Ink is about bridging the gap between loneliness and community; between feeling alone and being truly understood; between being brushed aside and respected as a human being."

- Jason Deitch, War Ink Co-Creator

7. This Kind of Courage

Veteran Jose Cruz. USMC. Johann Wolf/War Ink

"The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

-Nelson Mandella

8. This Kind of Meaning

Veteran Jeff Slater. Johann Wolf/War Ink

Rise above the ability to explode.

9. This Kind of Humor

Christopher Markowski, http://U.S. Marine Corps. Served 2003-2007. JOHANN WOLF/WAR INK

10. This Video

"Everyone benefits when soldiers are seen for their humanity, not just their courage and sacrifice."

-Darshan Campos

11. This Kind of Honesty

Veteran Ron "Doc" Rivera. Johann Wolf/War Ink.

"I'm tired of having to walk around hiding what I feel, and hiding who I am. Every tattoo on my body has a story. If people would ask, they wouldn't get a movie or a book, they would get the real thing."

- Ron "Doc" Rivera

12. This Kind of Friendship

Veteran William Glazer. Army. Johann Wolf/War Ink / Via pinterest.com

13. This Kind of #WarInk Fan Submission

Josh Ashby / Via facebook.com

14. Because of You

This project is ultimately awesome because of people like you - people who took the time to scroll all the way through, to learn about the ink, and to listen to veterans' stories. You can see the full exhibit at www.warink.org. #SharingIsCaring #WarInk