Uploaded January 2016 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Tattooing became an itch Roger Sparks couldn't scratch after a particularly grueling battle in the mountains of #Afghanistan. What was the most intense combat of his career ended in a twist of fate when he met #CaseyNeistat and a group of men who helped him discover tattooing as a means of healing from the trauma.
He learned to #tattoo and opened up shop out of his Eagle River home. Now, with every moment of free time he can spare, Roger is paying the gift forward by tattooing others working through their own battles.
Video by Kaysie Ellingson
Music by Starship Amazing
Photos courtesy of Roger Sparks
INDIE ALASKA is an original video series produced by Alaska Public Media in partnership with PBS Digital Studios. The videos capture the diverse and colorful lifestyles of everyday Alaskans at work and at play. Together, these stories present a fresh and authentic look at living in Alaska.
Click on the Subscribe button above to get notified when new episodes are available.
Consider supporting Alaska Public Media and ensure storytelling like INDIE ALASKA continues into the future. Make a donation today at: alaskapublic.org/support/donate-splash-page
All INDIE ALASKA episodes can be found at: alaskapublic.org/category/programs/indie-alaska
Tattooing became an itch Roger Sparks couldn't scratch after a particularly grueling battle in the mountains of #Afghanistan. What was the most intense combat of his career ended in a twist of fate when he met #CaseyNeistat and a group of men who helped him discover tattooing as a means of healing from the trauma.
He learned to #tattoo and opened up shop out of his Eagle River home. Now, with every moment of free time he can spare, Roger is paying the gift forward by tattooing others working through their own battles.
Video by Kaysie Ellingson
Music by Starship Amazing
Photos courtesy of Roger Sparks
INDIE ALASKA is an original video series produced by Alaska Public Media in partnership with PBS Digital Studios. The videos capture the diverse and colorful lifestyles of everyday Alaskans at work and at play. Together, these stories present a fresh and authentic look at living in Alaska.
Click on the Subscribe button above to get notified when new episodes are available.
Consider supporting Alaska Public Media and ensure storytelling like INDIE ALASKA continues into the future. Make a donation today at: alaskapublic.org/support/donate-splash-page
All INDIE ALASKA episodes can be found at: alaskapublic.org/category/programs/indie-alaska
