new thread
A before and after pic. Before actually taken about 5 years ago but was the same length when I retired in Feb 2011. Fast forward 3 years to Feb 2014. Grayer, but longer.
FUCKIN' WOW !!! = is ALL I can say = thorry fer swearin' ,,, lol
Hi Mandolindian,
Welcome to the board! Very nice contrast from Chief Master Sergeant to civilian long hair! I just love your hair color and length! I hope you keep it growing and flowing! Please be well!
Ted
Great look, Both snaps. Thank you sincerely for your service.
and a vast improvement, keep it growing, its awesome.
Ditto. A vast improvement indeed. Forced haircutting is one of the worst things about the military.
And getting killed of course, that's probably my worse than a forced hair cut !!!
Early in my time in the USAF, I was listening to a speaker who had been an enlisted guy in the Air Force during Vietnam. (It was actually Adrian Cronauer, the guy who wrote 'Good Morning, Vietnam' based on his own experiences.) He explained to the audience why he'd chosen the Air Force; he liked the idea of saluting the officers while the latter went off to battle (ie, the aircrews). I was sitting at the head table. I said in a low voice: "I never thought of that." The Command Chief, sitting next to me, responded: "We did...sir."
Not to poke fun at the idea of making the Ultimate Sacrifice, but I just thought of the incident and it made me smile.
Don
Looking good in both pictures! Thank you, and glad you can be yourself now.
WOW! Incredible. Thank you for serving our country and for all the sacrifices you gave as a result. I am happy you have "branched out" now and have grown your hair long. Tell us, did you have this plan in mind as you headed toward retirement? Were you waiting for the day when you could do what you wanted to do with regard to your personal appearance? You look great - your hair is great - if you are ever near central NY state please let me know because I'd like to take you to the American Legion here for a drink - and if you are here on a Friday night, I'll buy you a fish dinner!
Sincerely,
Fitz
Great new look, Chief! I'll bet you get some great double-takes if you use the base hospital, when you step forward after the tech calls "Chief ..."!
From one retired USAF guy to another, as Ted likes to say, "Keep it growing and flowing!"
Don
(retired chaplain)
Hi Don and Chief,
Although I only served 4 years and attained E4, I always had much respect for the Chief Master Sergeants. If I remember correctly, E9s account for only 1% of the Air Force. I once ran into a lady who was an E9. That was very cool. I think it usually takes about 25+ years to attain this rank.
Thanks to both of you for your service! Very cool to see 2 ex-military guys let their hair grow! Much respect to you guys!
Ted
That looks really great. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Justin~
Awesome!! I love the after picture man. It is amazing how distinguished long hair makes a person. Keep it up!
Call me crazy, but you look younger with long hair.
Keep it up and thanks for sharing.
- Christian
Wow long hair and beard really suit you, that is a very cool look indeed.
Regards Dave
Hi Mandolindian,
Thanks so much for posting these great pictures,
and welcome to MLHH! Your current pic is very inspiring....
and thank you (and ALL the vets) for service to your country!
The Spaf Man
Thanks for the comments. I did always plan to grow it out when I got the chance. Went through the awkward stage where it looked like crap for what seemed forever. I constantly felt everyone was staring at the old guy with the ugly hair. Now I don't mind the looks and have even gotten quite a few compliments. So for anyone just starting out, stick with it.
Grayer and Great!
Very cool hair!!! mine is about that long and has some gray coming in. I can only hope mine looks as good as yours! I hope you're doing well!!
