There are several places to get a good haircut around Fort Belvoir, but perhaps the most unique experience resides in a small shop 10 minutes away from North Post on Telegraph Road.
There in the Defense Logistics Agency's Hybla Valley facility, Chuck's Barber Shop owner, retired 1st Sgt. Chuck Edwards, entertains customers with good conversation, plenty of sights and various forms of hair grooming.
Edwards, a Soldiers Medal recipient, promises the haircut is only part of the experience.
"My customers here are good people that inspire and motivate me to come to work," Edwards said. "Plus, it beats sitting at home all day."
Edwards was born in 1937 and first learned how to cut hair at 11 years-old at Camp Benning, Ga., (now known as Fort Benning). He was a shoe shiner in an all-white barber shop.
"A barber there made me watch him cut hair," Edwards recalled. "When I first started, I could only cut white hair. I had to go school to learn how to cut black hair and other styles."
Edwards began cutting hair professionally during his days in the armed forces. He enlisted in 1954 and served 21 years as an Army military policeman. His military career is highlighted by the Soldiers Medal award he received from President John F. Kennedy for saving 15 Soldiers by discarding a live hand grenade before it exploded. When he wasn't saving or protecting lives, Edwards said he would cut hair for Soldiers within his unit. He continued cutting hair after his Army career ended in 1975. Edwards has cut hair at Hybla Valley and on Belvoir's main post, but he currently only cuts hair at DLA's facility. Numerous images hang on the walls of the shop such as photos of Washington Redskins football players, pictures of Edwards during his military career, a flat screen television, award plaques and miniature motorcycles.
Edwards even has a button from every NFL Super Bowl winner hanging near the shop's door. He challenges customers to see if any champion is missing from the collection while he cuts their hair. When customers aren't looking at the sights on the walls, they can engage Edwards in conversation. Dialogue covers topics such as sports, relationships and music.
He says his regular client list throughout the years includes generals, colonels, sergeants, retirees and civilians. He invites Belvoir community members to try his hair-cutting services and the other barber shops around the garrison.
"Test the barber and pick the one you prefer the most," Edwards said. "I love doing this, life is good."
Chuck's Barber shop is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 6801 Telegraph Road. Edwards accepts walk-ins and appointments and performs razor cuts, eyebrow arches, fade flat tops and beard trims among other hair grooming styles. Customers must have a military identification card to utilize Edwards' shop. Edwards charges $15 for a haircut. Call (703) 325-6138 for more information on the the shop and prices for other grooming services.
Social Sharing