CES members adopt bald look

by Scott Prater
Schriever Sentinel

4/3/2013 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- A few members of the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron got a free haircut Feb. 27 and they shouldn't need another one for a few months. That's because the barbers they visited snipped every last bit of hair from their heads, much to the delight of hundreds of high school students who witnessed the event.

When Senior Master Sgt. Brian Ginter, Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Brown, Staff Sgt. Cody Ott and Airman 1st Class Brandon Goodwin walked into the Rampart High School gymnasium, they imagined they would be on display, but they weren't quite prepared for the experience they endured.

As Bald for Bucks participants, the Schriever Airmen volunteered to have their heads shaved to raise money for cancer research and patient support programs.
Ott first heard of the fund raising event from his girlfriend and Rampart teacher, Kate Helbig.

"When she asked me if I wanted to participate I figured I could also find some guys at Schriever to take part as well," he said.

Ginter, Brown and Goodwin jumped on board soon after, and the quartet went about the process of finding donators within days. Ultimately, they raised a combined total of $700 for the Bald for Bucks program.

"It's actually hard to find people who haven't been touched by cancer in some way, either through a family member, friend or loved one," Ott said. "I spent a lot of face time with folks explaining what we were doing and how they could help those affected by cancer or leukemia."

Event coordinator Greg Anderson reported that Bald for Bucks raised more than $20,000 that day.

"The troops from Schriever who shaved their heads in the assembly at Rampart were the first from the military community in Colorado Springs to join this annual event," said Anderson. "The money they raised was key in helping the fundraiser set a new state record, from a single school, for the Colorado Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. More importantly, because of their energy and passion, they served as outstanding role models to hundreds of high school students. We were deeply honored to have them join us for this worthy event."

Come haircut day, Ott described the scene at Rampart with two words: total unrest.

"We walked into a packed gym; they had something like 20 barbers lined up with clippers ready," said Ott. "Students, teachers, parents and community members all went bald as the raucous crowd cheered every snip. You could say going bald is not that much of a stretch for military members, but those barbers took us down to zero; I mean, our heads were like mirrors."

In all, 147 people (including 27 women and girls) had their heads shaved. But, the event was more than just about cheers, applause and fun.

"We all listened as a young girl, maybe 4 or 5 years old, got up and spoke about having terminal cancer," Ott said. "She was one of the most up-beat children you'll ever meet. She was just one of many speakers who shared their experiences of dealing with cancer. How people can deal with these limitations and still enjoy their lives is inspiring. It makes you appreciate the things you have in your own life. Our guys were really touched by the whole experience and I'm pretty sure they'll all participate again next year."

Ott said the Schriever Airmen who participated will have more time to recruit volunteers for next year's event and have made a goal to eclipse this year's fundraising mark.

"We know of some guys who love themselves," Ott said. "Those are the types we're hoping to draw next ye