Chris Andrews

Chris Andrews is currently a Combat Engineer with the 370th Combat Engineer Company (Sapper). I first met Chris while deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq during OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) 05-07. Chris was in my platoon and I have been on many convoys with him. We visited many exotic and exciting locals such as TQ and Balad along with the every enjoyable Al Qaim. Chris is a decorated combat veteran and an accomplished musician as well as a very close friend of mine.

- Jaeson Parsons

Chris, how long have you been in the Army, what do you do for them?

I’ve been about four years now and I do whatever the fuck they tell me.

Where are you from?

Bayville, New Jersey.

Does your wife have tattoos?

Yes, she has several.

Why these tattoos? Any special significance?

Well they represent my favorite bands and I would like to have my whole arm inked with my favorite bands for my love for music.

Who are your favorite bands?

Well, there’s so many bands today that I like, but to rattle off a few I’ll say that Killswitch Engage is probably number one, then there’s In Flames, a metal band from Sweden that I enjoy very much. And I also enjoy a band called Children Of Bodom, a metal band from Finland, I believe.

Can you go into more detail for each tattoo?

Sure, well the Killswitch Engage tattoo is the End of Heartache cd cover. It represents the end of heartache and not being in any shitty relationships anymore and finding true love that is forever. The tattoo shows two hands holding a heart and all the blood is out of the heart and onto the hands with pins stuck in the heart, very badass I thought. Also, the In Flames tattoo is the face of the Evil Jester with a huge devilish grin on his face which I think says a lot about me, I can be the guy to lift your spirits but I can be a real asshole at the same time, lol. The final one that represents Children Of Bodom is a grim reaper in reference to the fact after our long tour in Iraq together that when we knew it could’ve been our time at any time out there, for some reason it just wasn’t so I think that the reaper is always close to us and we just don’t realize it and I feel its important to not fear the reaper but embrace him because we both know how crazy it will drive you for a year or more in that shithole.

Any plans for more ink?

Yeah, like I said my whole arm with the bands and something that covers my other arm that is family related.

Thank you, Chris, for your time as well as your business and most of all for your friendship. May God keep you safe and bring you home.