Wright-Patterson Exchange Welcomes First American Tattoo Society in Central Region

The Wright-Patterson AFB Exchange officially welcomed a new tattoo shop in June—the first American Tattoo Society location in the Central Region.
Shoppers enjoyed free T-shirts, stickers and temporary tattoos at the grand opening celebration. American Tattoo Society offered live tattooing and a meet and greet with tattoo artists David Depaula and Ryan Eternal, who appeared on the 2014 season of the TV series “Ink Master.”
“This event was one of the coolest grand openings we’ve done,” said Services Business Manager Sara Bateman. “We booked eight appointments on grand opening day, and our Command has been very welcoming of the tattoo studio.”
The new studio provides quality tattoo artistry in a safe and professional environment for service members Sunday through Saturday and supports the longstanding history of tattoos in the military.
“Tattoo artistry is a traditional way for those in the military to express their pride and honor,” said General Manager Adam Shaw. “Word of the new tattoo studio is spreading across the community and the Airmen are loving it! We’re just happy to welcome them in and be part of their tradition.”
American Tattoo Society is the only authorized tattoo studio on military installations. The Exchange opened its first tattoo studio in September 2020 at Nellis Air Force Base and has 10 additional locations at Forts Drum, Bliss, Moore and Irwin, as well as two at Fort Liberty; Joint Base Charleston; Camp LeJeune; and Travis and MacDill Air Force Bases.

From left: Mission Support Group Commander Col. Sean Brazel; Wright-Patterson Exchange Services Business Manager Sara Bateman; tattoo artist and “Ink Master” Ryan Eternal (in back); American Tattoo Studio Owner Ryan Harrell; and General Manager Adam Shaw.
would enjoy having a tattoo shop here on Joint Base Lewis McCord