Shannon Wright

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo is an eagle over my heart, perched on a branch. It represents strength, freedom, and vigilance—qualities I embraced while serving in the military and guarding the NSA at Ft. Meade. The eagle watches over my past and future, a symbol of pride and transformation. It’s more than ink—it’s a reminder that I’ve faced challenges head-on and soared above them, carrying the weight of my journey with honor and resilience.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

"I sit over his heart like I stood post at Ft. Meade—alert, unshaken, and forged by duty. I’m not just ink; I’m a symbol of strength earned through sacrifice. I covered what needed to be left behind, but I never forget. I remind him of the weight he carried, the oath he took, and the pride that still runs deep. I’m the eagle that doesn’t flinch, perched steady through storms. I don’t just speak—I command respect, like the soldier I guard"

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I win the $25,000, I’ll invest in telling more untold stories—mine and others like me. I’ll use it to create a platform for veterans and those rebuilding from the inside out. I want to turn ink into action—through art, outreach, or even opening a small creative space where stories can heal and empower. This isn’t just a prize to me—it’s fuel to keep pushing forward, to honor the past and build something lasting.