FORT SILL, Okla. -- Officers of 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery, spent November growing mustaches as part of the worldwide Movember charity movement.
Movember is an international charity organization consisting of thousands of independently registered groups (including 2-4th FA) that raise money and awareness for men's health-related issues, particularly prostate and testicular cancer.
Men all over the world spent the month growing mustaches for the cause, hopefully evoking observers to ask, "what's with all of the wanna-be Magnum PIs I've been seeing?"
Maj. Keith Williams, 2-4th FA operations officer, wants just that kind of question, for it is the perfect opportunity to spread the word and increase men's health awareness.
"We grow these mustaches so that people will ask and we can bring attention to the issues of men's health, like wearing pink for breast cancer in October," said Williams.
This was the major's second Movember, but the first in which he solicited the support and involvement of his fellow officers to form a unit organization.
The proposal was initially met with laughs and skepticism, but the magnitude of the opportunity could not be long overlooked.
"When Major Williams brought all the officers together and said he wanted us to grow mustaches we were all a little hesitant, but once he explained the cause, we were all quickly on board," said 1st Lt. Joshua Rivera, B Battery, 2-4th FA firing platoon leader.
The group began the month clean shaven, collecting stares, giggles and support as their 'staches slowly grew with the incoming pledges and donations, the charity predictably outshining the fashion.
Yet while having fun with their fashion statements by comparing growth and fullness, the men and women never forgot their serious purpose.
Issues of men's health are dear to the officers of 2-4th FA, particularly for the four mustache growers who have had male family members afflicted with prostate or testicular cancer.
"Growing a mustache for this cause hits very close to home for me. The awareness created and money raised will hopefully get medical researchers closer to a cure," said 2nd Lt. Robert Reeder, 2-4th FA medical officer.
While Army regulations allow for the tasteful growth of facial hair on the upper lip, biology does not always comply, leaving what can only be described as pathetic caterpillars or an embarrassing blank space.
But Movember does not discriminate who can participate and give support, even hosting a "Mo-Sisters" branch for women who wish to help raise funds, awareness and support.
"If by wearing a mustache for one month can raise a little money and can spark conversation among a few people that are unaware, then we have succeeded," said Williams. "Small amounts of money added up from all over the world can make quite an impact."
For more information, visit www.us.movember.com.
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