For tattoo Removal
L.A.
Air Guard recruits lose their tattoos for the future
By KATHERINE DAVIDSON
Union Leader Correspondent
LONDONDERRY — When James Robinson got a skull tattooed on half his forearm at
17, his future career goals were a distant concern.
Nearly 15 years later, however, Robinson was shocked to learn that an impulsive
adolescent decision would keep him from fulfilling his dream of serving in the
military.
"He said he couldn't believe I was disqualifying him for the tattoo he had,"
said Tech. Sgt. Shannan Brown.
As a recruiter for the New Hampshire Air National Guard, Brown must ensure that
all recruits adhere to strict Guard standards, including a policy that prohibits
tattoos that cover more than a quarter of exposed skin.
But Brown knew where to send Robinson.
For the past two years, she and other recruiters have worked with Smoothskin, a
Londonderry cosmetic center that uses advanced laser technology to remove
tattoos for recruits across New England.
Smoothskin owner Dr. Donald Rainone has performed the pricey procedures for
nearly 50 military recruits, which would have added up to more than $100,000 in
profits for the small business. But Rainone has not profited one cent.
He removes tattoos for the young recruits free of charge.
"Here are people who are saying 'I'll go, I want to go,'" Rainone said. "But a
tattoo is keeping them out. It seemed like an obstacle that I could remedy."
Laser tattoo removal can require as many as eight treatments, each of which cost
up to $350.
Saying thanks
Robinson completed his treatment last month and helped Brown present Rainone
with a plaque of appreciation from the Air National Guard. While several New
England laser surgeons offer reduced rates for military recruits, Rainone and
Brown said they have heard of no one who does the work for free.
With his former skull tattoo just a pattern of faded scabs and scars, Robinson
left last month for basic training in Lackland, Texas.
Smoothskin, however, continues to serve new recruits.
Nearly 10 percent of Air National Guard recruits have tattoos, Brown said, and
she and Rainone speak regularly about arranging appointments for the ones who
are willing to endure six to eight painful laser treatments.
"One of our commanders talked with Jim (Robinson) and said 'Wow, this must have
been something you really wanted to do, because that laser surgery doesn't
tickle,'" Brown said. "But that's the kind of people we want. We want motivated
people."
Henry Burch, who joined the Navy 10 years ago at age 18, was motivated by the
stable life that the Air National Guard can provide for his wife and new baby
girl.
With 10 years under his belt, he only needs to commit another 10 years to
receive full retirement at 38 years old. Transferring to the Air National Guard,
Burch said, would keep him close to his home in Rochester instead of out on a
ship.
He has already had five laser treatments at Smoothskin to remove two large
tattoos on his forearms — one of a pitbull and one of his name. Each laser
treatment, he said, hurts much more than the original inking.
"Each time I go there I make sure they know that I'm thankful they're doing it
for free," Burch said, "because I don't think you could even find anyone else
around here to do it for free."
Policy differs
Each military branch has its own policy on body art, most of which prohibit
vulgar or inappropriate words or depictions. There is significant room for
interpretation, however, and tattoos are not uncommon among service men and
women.
"I was surprised because you see a lot of people with them in the military
already," Burch said. "I wanted to switch to a different branch and it was
basically, 'You can't join until they are removed.' I'm almost 10 years in, and
I don't want to give up all that time."
For many of the young recruits he sees, however, Rainone said the possibility of
a handsome military retirement pension is the least of their immediate concerns.
Often they are teenagers looking for the direction and stability that a military
stint could provide.
Some of them are enlisting to help save money for college — money for tattoo
removal is something they simply do not have, he said.
"For some of them, it's their only goal or direction," Rainone said. "I know
some of the other kids would be on the street or in trouble had they not gone
into the service."
As a member of national and international laser technology associations,
including the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and the
International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, Rainone said he is trying to
get other doctors across the country to offer the removal for free.
In the meantime, he will keep working with recruiters from various military
branches across New England, while trying to maintain his growing cosmetology
practice where he also provides laser hair removal, Botox and collagen
injections, microdermabrasion, liposuction and spa services.
Perhaps one day soon he may even take a ride with the Guard's Air Refueling Unit
— another sign of their appreciation for his help.
After just a few more treatments, Burch will be tattoo-free and able to join the
Guard when his Navy term ends in March of next year.
He may be sore, but his tattoos will not be sorely missed.
"It's more important to join the Guard," he said. "I didn't want to have them
removed, but basically, if I didn't, I'd be throwing 10 years of my life away.
I'd rather get the 20 years than keep the tattoos."
