Barber cuts out time for Soldiers

Courtesy Photo | Mario Hernandez, owner of Sal's Barber Shop, provides a free haircut to Arizona Army National Guard Soldiers as they prepared to attend Annual Training on Tuesday, July 21, at the Papago Military Reservation.  

PHOENIX, ARIZONA, UNITED STATES

07.27.2015

Story by Sgt. Crystal Reidy 

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

PHOENIX – A valley barber set up shop and provided free haircuts to Arizona Army National Guard Soldiers as they prepared to attend Annual Training on Tuesday, July 21, at the Papago Military Reservation.

The Soldiers of the 198th Regional Support Group will be away from their home station for ten days to participate in training in Northern Arizona.

“This was a blessing to get a free haircut right before annual training,” said Sgt. Hadar Espinoza. “Instead of stopping for a hair appointment, we can go straight home and spend more time with our families.”

Mario Hernandez, owner of Sal's Barber Shop, said, "This was my way to support the troops for their service and to give back to them.”

Hernandez and fellow barber Victor Zaragoza left the comforts of their shop in Peoria to open up shop at the local armory.

“It felt great to do this because the Soldiers were very appreciative. It was very emotional,” Hernandez said.
Espinoza, who arranged the event with Hernandez, said the event was successful with nearly 15 Soldiers being served.

“I have been going to Sal’s for over a year so I know he does a great job, but it was good to hear all the Soldiers coming away impressed with their new haircut.”

Hernandez wants to host an event like this again.

“The goal is to make it bigger and better and next time have a barber to do longer hair for the females,” Hernandez said.

• Date Taken: 07.27.2015
• Date Posted: 07.27.2015 15:37
• Story ID: 171233
• Location: PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US