Moody goes mad for Mustache March

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrea Thacker
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Some guys should never attempt one, while others seem to own them. Magnum P.I. actor Tom Selleck, entertainer Charlie Chaplin, wrestler Hulk Hogan and dictator Adolf Hitler are all known for theirs.

It's the mustache.

Several of Moody's finest are foregoing the razors and sporting a 'stache in observance of Mustache March.

"Everything seems to just go a little crazy in March," said Lt. Col. Robert Russell, 23rd Wing director of staff and Mustache March participant. "As the number of college basketball teams dwindle to the final showdown, mustaches begin to take on a life of their own. Just look at the picture of my 'stache ... nothing more needs be said."

Mustache March is a month-long celebration where participants grow hair on their upper lip. The idea stems from an early Air Force tradition in which Airmen grew mustaches in good-natured protest against facial hair regulations during the month of March.

Colonel Russell has participated in the Mustache March several times in the past and said the purpose of the madness is focused around the 3 Ms of life: Mustache, Madness and March.

When asked how often he is asked about his newest facial decoration Colonel Russell said if double-takes, looks of shock and awe or funny-looks count, he gets asked about the 'stache continuously.

"It fits him well," said Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander. "He's already kind-of cheesy so a cheesy mustache works for him. I was going to grow one but it's tough to go to official functions with a cheesy mustache. "

Although Colonel DeMaso joked about the cheesy mustaches, he said that Mustache March is a great morale booster and a fun way to build unit camaraderie.

Fellow Mustache March participant Senior Airman Bradley Dean, 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels laboratory technician, started growing his mustache March 1 with about 10 members of his flight and is one of the last few who haven't shaved.

"It's great for morale," said Airman Dean. "We started the month with about 10 (participants) but it's dwindled down to two or three guys and that includes me."

Laughs and stares are not uncommon from co-workers and friends who are not used to seeing participants with hair on their upper lips.

"I always forget I have it," said Airman Dean. "That is until people look at me and laugh but I'm 25 days strong and I love it. The best part are others' reactions."

Not everyone thinks Airmen Dean's facial hair is a laughing matter.

"I can't help but look at his mustache, it's impressive," said coworker Senior Airman Matthew Presby, 23rd LRS fuels resource controller. "I wouldn't even call it a mustache. I'd call it a well-maintained facial accouterment. And besides, who can look at a picture of Tom Selleck and not think that's a handsome man- it's because of his 'stache."

According to mustachemarch.com, the rules are simple. Facial hair of any variety is allowed until March 15th, after which point only a mustache is allowed. On April 1, participants may choose to shave.

March is a time of mustache freedom, a time when Airmen can express their fun side and provide co-workers and friends with something to look and laugh at. But no matter what people say, Colonel Russell and Airman Dean said they will sport their 'staches until the end.