Every spring, sheep farmers harvest the white, fluffy protective coats of their sheep. These coats that protect the animals from the elements is then processed, shipped and eventually used for our clothes, boots, blankets, car seats and even military gear.
On March 4, a different wooly-headed creature sacrificed his own white, and just as fluffy, hair in a special ceremony during a New Orleans City Council meeting at City Hall here. Just like the sheep in the field, retired Lt. Gen. Jack W. Bergman’s snowy, white locks were bound to be put to use for another cause. This symbolic shearing, or haircut, was in support of a non-profit organization that collects donated hair and weaves wigs for children who suffer from hair loss.
The former Marine Forces Reserve commander retired in October 2009. Since then, he has been growing his hair for the purpose of getting it cut once it reached the length of eight inches or more. Eight inches is the minimum requirement for a donation to the organization.
In remarks at the city council meeting he stressed the importance of understanding the concept of service. He explained how this was an opportunity to continue his service to people beyond his active military service.
“There is no greater calling that will take our society and our country higher… than that which is to serve,” said Bergman, who wore the uniform of a Marine for 40 years.
This was an opportunity for him to show other service members an idea and concept of how they can still serve, even though they no longer wear the uniform, he said.
“You can make a difference, even if it’s small,” he said.
One other integral of the day’s event was the man doing the shearing. Without him, this event literally could never have happened.
“It was an opportunity to do my part and give something back to the community,” said the humble Eric Vandergriff, a barber at the Naval Support Activity-East, here.
“It was an honor to do this for General Jack,” said Vandergriff, as he described his feelings of being involved in this event.
Vandergriff was Bergman’s barber while he was still in command of Marine Forces Reserve. He also was the last barber to cut his hair prior to the marathon of hair growth.
The hair was donated and collected that day.
Date Taken: | 03.11.2011 |
Date Posted: | 03.11.2011 14:30 |
Story ID: | 66873 |
Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
Web Views: | 206 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, General Jack’s HAIR- razing challenge, by Sgt Fenton Reese, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.