National University Library Blog

Library Inked

(5/6/17: This story has been updated with video interviews)

Library Inked is a fun new project to showcase members of the National University community who are proud library users with tattoos!

Efrain Chacon is finishing up his MS in Organizational Leadership. He is a veteran who served two tours in Iraq. Efrain currently works as a realtor and is a father of three.

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About some of his tattoos:

• USMC - In honor of the Marine brotherhood. Efrain served two tours in Iraq.
• Molon labe (Greek: μολὼν λαβέ) - At the Battle of Thermopylae in 480BC, the Persian king, Xerxes I, demanded that the Spartans lay down their weapons and surrender. The Spartan king, Leonidas I, responded with this phrase, which translates to "come and take [them]". 
• Memorial Tattoo - For his brother-in-law, who served with the Magnificent Bastards (2/4), Echo Company in Ramadi, Iraq.

Learn more about Efrain in this video interview:

Lance Ruiz is faculty in the Organizational Leadership program. He has served in law enforcement and is now COO of a security service company in San Diego. Lance has a passion for classic cars and Harleys.

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About some of his tattoos:

• Harley sleeve - Incorporates images of the many things that bring him joy, from family to the open road. Surrounded in a smoke of mystery.
• Son's baby footprint
• African tribal bands
• Rat Fink - Custom eyeball with devil horns and wrenches.

​Learn more about Lance in this video interview:

Thank you to Efrain and Lance for allowing us to share their tattoos with you. Are you a library user with tattoos that you’d like to showcase? We’d love to hear your story!