Strength Through Discipline

Max Catalano

From 2011 to 2012, Kalen Patterson served in Afghanistan working to defuse bombs. Patterson, now 29 years old, is from Ray, Ohio. His interests are featured on his skin as detailed tattoos, which depict his pets, and hobbies like music and photography. Patterson’s python Louise and his dog Peaches help him cope with PTSD receive from his time in Afghanistan. Peaches is tattooed on his right hand, and his deceased snake Tina is tattooed on his left. 

When he was younger, Patterson raced ATV’s professionally and says it gave him a powerful adrenaline rush. Now, he rides as a hobby at places like Wildwood Lake Raceway. He works in a Walmart warehouse from early morning until the afternoon then returns home to work on one of his projects. Patterson is in the process of building his own home and works on it late into the night. Patterson has built everything but the foundation. 

Patterson lines up the newly cut trim above a door in his house.

Patterson in his workshop at his new home lining up where to cut the trim.

Patterson’s 3-year-old, 10 foot long, Ultra-Ivory Tiger Reticulated Python, Louise. Louise is named after a character from Bob’s Burgers and lives in his basement.

Patterson riding his ATV at the Wildwood Lake Raceway. He says racing is ninety percent cleaning and working on his bike, but is worth it for thrill of being on the track.

Patterson’s helmet and tires splattered with mud after a long race on November 4, 2018. Patterson says getting muddy is refreshing and helps with the strain riding puts on his body.

“My dog is the main reason I’m alive.” Patterson and his dog Peaches at his mother’s house. Peaches is tattooed on his right hand.