DAKAR, Senegal - Service members deployed in support of Operation United Assistance live without many of the comforts they know from home. A lack of commercial options began some Soldiers down the road of rampant, run-away hair length. Fortunately, there was a "First in Support" noncommissioned officer who brought the answer from Germany.
Sgt. 1st Class Harold D. Lawson, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Regional Support Element-United Assistance aviation support operations noncommissioned officer and a native of Detroit, provides free haircuts to male service members deployed to Camp Cisse.
Service members working on the Intermediate Staging Area had only two options when it came to getting their hair back in regulations, cut it themselves or pay the equivalent of $30.00 at a barbershop off base. With no on base commercial options in the near future and the possibility of service members destroying their hair-styles, Lawson saw only one option: break out the clippers and start cutting.
"Cutting hair, in an environment like this, is not just about keeping Soldiers in regulation," Lawson said. "Getting a good haircut also brings them a sense of normalcy. It makes them feel a little more at home. Even better, they get it for free."
Lawson has been cutting hair for nearly three years now. He honed his skills with a scissor and clippers to a professional level while on deployment to Afghanistan.
"My Soldiers did not want to pay for haircuts while we were deployed, so I figured out another solution," Lawson said. "I had clippers with me and I cut each of their hair to make sure they stayed in regulation."
Since his arrival at Camp Cisse, Lawson has cut hair for Soldiers and Airmen with ranks of brigadier general and below. Each customer has walked away, not only with their hair in accordance with Army Regulation 670-1, but singing Lawson's praises.
"I can honestly say this is one of the best haircuts I've ever received," said Lt. Col. Mark D. Gray, the RSE-UA support operations officer in charge and a native of Woodbridge, Virginia.
"The fact that he performs this service free of charge shows his dedication to his fellow Soldiers and servicemembers. This is not just good leadership, giving Soldiers a fresh hair cut also raises morale."
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