Photo By Kyle Gese | U.S. Air Force Airmen show off their mustaches at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March...... read more read more
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SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- U.S. Air Force Col. Robin Olds believed his mustache was bullet proof. Not only did it protect him from the dangers of air combat, but it was his way of giving inflexible leadership a wake-up call.
The mustache March legend began during the conflicts in Vietnam when Olds grew a mustache far out of Air Force regulations. His mustache, which some may say was quite impressive, inspired Airmen to grow a mustache alongside him. The trend was a way for Airmen to stand up and challenge the status quo.
Olds was the 479th Fighter Group's first ace, shooting down five enemy fighters. At the age of 22, he was given command of the 434th Fighter Squadron. According to Air Force fact sheets, one of his biggest achievements is attributed to the planning and leading of Operation Bolo in Vietnam.
For many years after his service, Airmen continued to honor him by growing a lip-tickling, crumb-catching, kiss-diverting mustache.
In 2014, the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark Welsh III, challenged the entire Air Force to grow a mustache. Needless to say, Airmen around the globe responded to his challenge with enthusiasm.
"There will be women who think they'll be left out of this," said Welsh when he challenged the Air Force. "But that's not the case because the women in our Air Force have a critical role to play during mustache March. Their job is to ridicule us non-stop ..."
Military members are still held to a higher standard of appearance governed by Air Force Instruction 36-2903. While those who participate may be having fun, it is important to remember the standards.
This tradition continues each year as a tribute to Olds and the legacy he left behind. It has now become a means of raising morale and stirring some friendly banter while continuing to accomplish the mission.
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.10.2015 18:17 |
| Story ID: | 156580 |
| Location: | SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 765 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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