TAMPA, Fla. – After years of planning, the concept of having tattoo shops on active duty military bases has come to fruition. 

The artists of American Tattoo Society are making history with their brand. 

Their first location on a base was at Nellis Air Force Base. The second is right here in Tampa at MacDill Air Force Base. 

“It’s definitely a new thing. It’s amazing,” Carol Gingerella said. 

She’s a military spouse, who is getting her ink touched up at the shop located inside the Main Exchange on base. 

"It’s got shooting stars, and those represent my kids – telling them that I love them no matter what. And no matter how far we go, or how far apart we are, that I love them,” she explained while showing off her tattoos. “The UFO is just a joke between my husband and myself.”

All kidding aside, this shop is getting some serious business. It’s been less than two weeks, and they’re booking up fast.

“They asked me to move here, and I jumped right on it. And I felt like it was a first-rate opportunity,” artist manager Ian Lopez said.

He and his sister, Jaden, both came from the company’s flagship location in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  It’s a place with a strong military presence next to Fort Bragg. 

“Just the look on their face when they see the design, that’s my favorite part,” Lopez said, while describing his favorite part about tattooing.

By now, he knows the tattoo rules for military members and takes them seriously. 

"I would hate to turn them down, but I would have to just because I wouldn’t want anyone to get in trouble,” he said.

Respect for military members is something the company prides itself on.

“Nicole’s Dad served 25 years jumping out of planes for the 82^nd. My Grandpa was drafted,” owner Ryan Harrell told Spectrum Bay News 9 during a virtual interview.

Harrell and his wife, Nicole, are constantly on the move as the company expands.

“April 1st we break ground at Fort Bliss, which is our first Army Base. The Air Force really came in strong with two bases off the bat. And then, we go to the Lackland, which is in San Antonio,” said Ryan Harrell.

The rest of the bases on the shop’s battle plan are being kept secret for now but like most tattoo fans...

“I think eventually we’ll keep adding,” Gingerella said, as she looked at her final product.

Along with having a special passion for tattooing the brave, American Tattoo Society also does a lot of veteran outreach through their work.

You can find more information about American Tattoo Society here.