Military And Veterans
Derby Army veteran served as a military police officer and now serves up tattoos
From military police to tattoo artist: A Derby veteran’s journey
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Derby, Kansas
Duncan Macormac, a former Army military police officer, has transformed his career after serving at Fort Lewis and on overseas assignments. Macormac, a Wichita native, joined the Army in 1996 right after high school. He sought a secure career and found it in military policing, where he provided security, conducted patrols, and engaged in specialized training for war zones. Despite having no initial desire for a military career, Macormac's decision led to a fulfilling service in the Army, which took him overseas twice, including to Panama and Egypt. During his service, Macormac was tasked with a variety of roles including convoy security, route clearance, and processing prisoners of war. His first deployment to Panama in 1999 was during the historic transfer of the Panama Canal back to Panama, a monumental event in the region. Macormacs second deployment in Egypt had him stationed along the Sinai Peninsula, performing border patrol duties between Egypt and Israel. These experiences shaped his career, helping him gain firsthand exposure to complex, high-pressure military environments. Following his service at Fort Lewis, Macormac sought to reenlist during the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom but faced a challengehis tattoos. Army regulations at the time prohibited recruits with visible tattoos from joining, which led to Macormac's inability to return to service. While this setback could have derailed many veterans, Macormac turned the situation into an opportunity, using his love for tattoos to build a second career. Now, the owner of Green Panther Tattoos in Derby, Kansas, Macormac finds purpose in his work by connecting with fellow veterans and active-duty military members who come into his shop. He credits his military background for instilling in him the discipline and work ethic needed to thrive in business. Macormacs shop quickly became known for its veteran-friendly atmosphere, where those with military backgrounds could find camaraderie through shared experiences. Tattooing veterans is usually pretty fun because, even with the differences in branches, you all still kind of have some kind of connection, he said. Macormacs shop is a haven for fellow veterans who, like him, had to transition from military life to civilian careers. His understanding of the veteran experience is evident in the way he handles clientsmaking them feel understood and valued in their most vulnerable state. Macormacs story highlights the resiliency of veterans in adapting to life after service. What was initially a challengehis tattoos keeping him from reenlistingbecame a springboard for a fulfilling second act. By embracing his passion for tattoos and applying the lessons he learned in the military, Macormac created a space for veterans to find solidarity in their post-service lives. In an era where transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for many, stories like Macormacs offer hope and inspiration. The veteran community continues to show that with the right mindset, one can transform a setback into a success. As for Macormac, he remains dedicated to serving the veteran community, one tattoo at a time.