Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Tyler Starr's tattoo - a memorial or bad decision?

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 12:07:04 -0400

I know we have had a lot of different discussions about tattoos and whatnot here on RallyPoint and as someone with several pieces of art forever part of my body, I have fun reading up on different topics concerning tattoos.

Anyways, so today I was reading up about the Falcon's Linebacker Tyler Starr who has a tattoo of the Medal of Honor on his right arm. He says he got it to remember the service by his grandfather and father. Both men did serve but neither were awarded the MoH. Starr claims to have "tweaked" the tattoo as so not to look exactly like the medal but it does look really close to the Army MoH.

So my question to the RP community is this. Is this a good way to remember the service of his family members or was this a bad decision in picking a tattoo?

Starr Honors Grandfather with Tattoo

Tyler Starr's medal of honor tattoo has earned a lot of attention from Falcons fans and he explains why the ink on his right arm is so important to him

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2014 12:21 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 12:21:03 -0400

While I myself would not do the same thing, due to my respect of the MoH recipients, we do need to acknowledge freedom of speech and expression. I would also "assume" that most non-military folks dont truly understand the sacrifice put forth to receive the MoH. On a side note, he should have used a better tattoo artist as the lines and spacing aren't the greatest.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 25 at 2014 12:37 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 12:37:43 -0400

He is, of course, free to have what he want as a tattoo, but I do think he could have picked something more appropriate and applicable. Just my two cents.

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Aug 25 at 2014 12:53 PM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 12:53:15 -0400

I think because his grandfathers name is part of the tattoo it's more obvious that it's a memorial tribute.
That being said, I don't think it's a very well done tattoo...

Response by FN Mike McCormack made Aug 25 at 2014 2:46 PM

FN Mike McCormack — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 14:46:15 -0400

I think the MoH deserves better...but that's me; I served so that the right to "Freedom of Speech" would be protected and preserved just like any other constitutional right. Personally...I don't find it to be in good taste and especially dislike the fact that none of his family earned that medal, but I don't find it to be hateful or obscene either.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 25 at 2014 3:07 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 15:07:58 -0400

I'm going to go with 1LT John Martin and "Dumbassery" for $1000 Alex.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Aug 25 at 2014 3:19 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 15:19:38 -0400

Personal freedoms include being able to tattoo whatever we want on our bodies. if this is how he chooses to remember his Grandfather then more power to him. So what if he modified an existing medal, that too is allowed. I hope his Grandfather is resting in peace, with great pride in Starr for what he has accomplished.

Cpl Kristofer Fermil, not all of us kollege students is completely undegekated. I has an AAS in chemical addictions treatment and counseling.

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Aug 25 at 2014 3:44 PM

Cpl Matthew Wall — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 15:44:24 -0400

I think because he altered it that it shouldn't really matter. He is honoring his grandfather and that is fine. He is a civilian so you can understand that when they try to honor someone in their family they do it differently not knowing all customs and traditions. Now if he was prior military and he did something like this I'm not sure I would let it slide so much. However, freedom of speech and all that jazz. It is altered and do not look like a true MoH so more power to him. He is the one that has to live with it and if it brings meaning to him and makes him think of the service that is grandfather did then so be it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2014 11:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 23:09:15 -0400

Think it is a borderline stolen valor...maybe I should get a ranger tab tattooed even though I have never attended that school because I once knew a guy who was one?!?!?!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2014 3:31 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 15:31:26 -0400

I think that a tattoo of the Medal of Honor (regardless of whether it resembles the Army, Navy, or Air Force versions) is a bit tacky - especially if the artwork is poorly done. A tattoo of the Army version of the Medal of Honor seems an odd way to honor his father and grandfather - neither were awarded the Medal of Honor, nor did they serve in the Army. All that said, I have a hard time equating a tattoo with stolen valor - especially since he does not appear to be using it to defraud people in any way.