In the News: Highly Decorated Marine Refused Re-Entry Due to Tattoos
Sunday August 15, 2004
A Wisconsin man, Joseph Greathouse, who served an examplary 4 years as a Marine and received multiple medals during that time is being denied re-entry because of his tattoos. Apparently, since he took a month off before deciding to return to the military, he enters as a recruit instead of being grandfathered in under the old rules, despite his history of service. New and tighter rules on the presence of tattoos limit the number to five and also take location and content of the tattoos into consideration.
Apparently, not only are we (Americans) not qualified to flip burgers in some establishments if we wear body art, but we are also not qualified to serve and defend our country. Joseph Greathouse is going to try to appeal the decision, but the fact that it even came to this in the first place is a real shame.
Apparently, not only are we (Americans) not qualified to flip burgers in some establishments if we wear body art, but we are also not qualified to serve and defend our country. Joseph Greathouse is going to try to appeal the decision, but the fact that it even came to this in the first place is a real shame.
Comments
It is not only tragic, but also an affront and personal diservice to a man who has given all that his country asked of him and more; that his only request was to return and serve was greeted with this kind of syphletic pencil pushing bureacratic bullshit is indicitive of the ‘new marine corps’ and should immediately be brought to a halt - I wear my fourteen tattoos with pride, all reflective of my service or deeds and comrades associated with that service, should I be asked to lay down my rifle because of that (and I was) my response is, and will continue to be - a Marine is defined neither by physical stature or by appearance, but by the heart contained within, and if I could I would tattoo ‘fallen but not forgotten, my brother the same - USMC!!!!!!!!