KLRU helped present this documentary to the nation on PBS and first aired on KLRU in 2008. Filmed at Fort Hood, Tattooed Under Fire is a unique, intimate, character-driven portrait of Iraq-bound and returning U.S. soldiers as they go under the tattoo needle: openly professing their pride, sharing their secrets and confessing their fears

Read an interview with Schiesari in the Austin Chronicle

“Tattooed Under Fire” is a documentary examining the lives of soldiers at Ft. Hood Army Post. Their lives are documented through the lens of a tattoo shop where soldiers get tattoos prior to deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers share their fear and bravado in anticipation and their shock, anger and sorrow upon their return.

Seen through the eyes of a now 60 year old Vietnam era vet, who signed out of the Army at Fort Hood, Texas, the 25th of January, 1972, Tattoos Under Fire was more than poignant … it was heartwarming and chilling at the same time.

The metamorphosis of the soul that is war is both horrifying and mesmerizing to watch.  Similarly, the ripple effect on relationships – positive and negative – is like watching an approaching storm … one can take cover, but the storm will leave its mark.

In the end, for me, 30+ years on, Tattooed Under Fire reminded me of an old adage: The more things change, the more they remain the same.

— Bill Talbott

About the Reviewer: Bill Talbott is a psychologist with more than 25 years experience in forensics and crisis adult mental health. He is currently a free-lance research and training consultant.

As an independent producer, Nancy Schiesari has shown her skill in transitioning the original Fort Hood Diaries project into Tattooed under Fire. The early cuts that I saw have now been polished into this one-hour documentary.  I want to thank her for listening to the many voices providing her with direction to finish this film.  I also want to thank the folks from ITVS and with the LINCS project with the assistance in getting this program ready for air.  They have provided lots of support to get this program on many of the public television stations.  And the good news is that many of the public television stations around the country are planning to air the program in November around Veteran’s Day.

Tattooed under Fire is an excellent contemporary documentary that provides a unique look into our world.  It is worthy of your viewing time.  Look for it on your PBS station.  Check local listings for days and times.

Tattooed under Fire can be seen on KLRU on Tuesday, November 10 at 9:00 pm and Thursday, November 12th at 1:00 am.

— Maria Rodriguez, senior vice president of programming

This documentary takes you on a journey to Killeen, TX, to Fort Hood — the largest Army post in the country.  Due to the heavy military presence in the town, all of the shops in the area cater to the needs of the soldiers.  In particular River City Tattoo is home, and in some cases family, to many soldiers about to leave to go to Iraq, or returning for 2nd or 3rd tours of duty.

The film features a handful of eager soldiers from the first time they are deployed to Iraq and follows them after they return home and, of course, to the tattoo shop again to add to their “storyboards”.  The stories told by these soldiers while they are being inked are heartbreaking and eye-opening.  They talk about their friends and fellow soldiers dying in front of them, killing innocent people who interfere with their mission, their struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the fear of going back for another tour of duty, only this time not returning.

Their tattoos reflect their anxiety and their fear.  It is a way for them to tell their individual stories to everyone they meet.  For most soldiers, getting a tattoo is a form of therapy and release.  Some of the tattoos are shocking and horrifying but they have very significant and important meanings.  All of the characters in this film are very relatable and well-spoken, and the shop’s owners and employees genuinely love their clientele and offer their unconditional support.  The soldiers in this film pour out their hearts and let us in on the most difficult times of their lives.

- Michelle Mayeux

About the reviewer: Michelle Mayeux has been the Marketing Coordinator at KLRU for about two years.  When she’s not working you can find her playing outside with her dog Maggie.