Yea we know it’s not Memorial Day any more but there’s no reason why we can’t celebrate our service members every day. Johnny Johnson, a combat veteran and United States Coast Guard, finds it difficult to call serving his country a job. For Johnson this is just part of being an American and fighting for your freedom. And while he does take his position as a U.S. Service Member seriously, he always makes time to unwind and decorate himself with his own types of medals – tattoos.

Inked Magazine: Tell us about being a combat veteran.

Johnny Johnson: Under the Department of Defense I’m classified as a combat veteran. To me it’s such a broad term that is exclusive to those who have protected our country and defended our freedoms in a war zone. Fewer and fewer people volunteer for the call of duty. I am proud to be the small percentage of our population who has served in wartime.

Inked: When most people are out partying and using the holiday as an excuse for a good time, I'm sure Memorial Day holds a slightly different meaning for you.

Johnson: I hope people just take a second or two to recognize a service member’s sacrifice, and their families’ sacrifices, and how this allows us to go about our everyday activities. I hope they know why they have the freedom they do and the ability to live in the land of the free. As long as they are having fun with family, friends, or doing what they love I see the day being justified in honor of those who have sacrificed for our country and freedoms. I love the quote, “The nation that forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” Nowhere else in this world do you see the freedom we have.

Inked: And you’re actively serving as a U.S. Coast Guard?

Johnson: I’m part of a special deployable operations group ready to rapidly deploy and execute any mission worldwide within 96 hours and establish operations within 24 hours to provide waterborne and land-based protection for high value assets. I’m in active reserves, which allows me to serve part-time and pursue other interests. I just graduated from Sacramento State University and also hold another part-time job. I get to do things and manage equipment at an age no one would ever imagine as a civilian.

Inked: Why did you decide to begin a career in the services and then continue that career as a U.S. Coast Guard?

Johnson: My influence came from my father who served in the U.S. Navy. I always imagined myself in the military as a child, recalling the days of G.I. Joes, and playing make-believe with my buddies, pretending we were soldiers. I know it sounds redundant, but It’s a honor to serve our country, and be part of a cause greater than yourself.