![](http://militarytimes.com/blogs/battle-rattle/files/2010/05/Lepping-tattoo.jpg)
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http://militarytimes.com/blogs/battle-rattle/2010/05/27/gunnys-sarah-palin-tattoo-the-butt-of-jokes/Marine’s cheeky Sarah Palin tattoo the butt of jokes
.... ...I was introduced to fun-loving Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin Lepping’s left butt cheek.
Sure enough, there’s a realistic caricature of Palin there, perhaps four inches wide and five inches tall. She’s wearing her trademark glasses and smiling, her hair in a bun. ....
Originally from Louisville, Ky., Lepping goes by the nickname “Gus,” a shortened version of his middle name, Gustav. He estimates he has about 30 tattoos, including a full sleeve on his left arm that pays homage to his job in a colorful mural that includes a variety of bombs and EOD lettering.
He’s also known for his quirkiness: Most nights, for example, he takes his bedding outside and falls asleep on the front stoop of the quarters where his fellow Marines live. He also has a tattoo on right butt cheek of the Southern Cross, the constellation of stars on the Australian flag.
“I had a good time in Australia,” he offered with a shrug.
Lepping said he is a fan of Palin’s, and hopes to meet her someday.
“If it was going to be a funny tattoo, I figured it had to be in a funny place,” he said. “I’d say it’s pretty famous in the southern California area.”
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