Posted on 04/07/2002 1:57:04 PM PDT by Clive
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- The Bunker Barber of Kandahar is aiming to benefit blind kids back in Canada. Master Cpl. Gerry Represse is cutting Canadian troops' hair at the coalition base at Kandahar airport in exchange for donations to the Military Police Blind Children's Fund.
"Most people give between two and five dollars US," he said. "So far I've raised about $379 US and $150 Cdn. I'm aiming for about $1,000 Cdn by the time this tour is over."
Represse has noticed a change in hairstyle preference among his clientele since the Canadian contingent arrived.
"Most of the guys wanted it shaved to the wood when we first got here because it's easier to manage. Now that we've got showers they are going for a number 2 cut on the sides and number 3 on top," he said, referring to the length of guard on his electric razor.
"The showers have also made the hair easier to cut because it's cleaner."
Even some of the women soldiers have been coming to Represse, a 12-year-military veteran, for a trim. But they don't go for the shaved look.
"My wife Janine won't let me touch her hair but I'm looking forward to cutting my kids' hair when I get back," he said.
"Nicole is seven and Alexis is six."
Represse reckons he averages about two customers a day at the sandbag bunker outside the military police post at the Canadian camp that doubles as his salon.
He's also been known to take his electric razor and scissors to bunkers which ring the airport perimeter.
"Service with a smile from a combat barber," he joked.
"It's not me who is raising the money - it's the battle group. They are donating the money, I'm just providing a service."
Represse himself favours a chrome dome.
"I shaved my head for Cops For Cancer a few years ago and my wife liked it so I decided to keep it this way," he explains.
This is the third time Represse has ventured into the barber business.
"I raised about $300 in Haiti and $400 in Kosovo," he said. "It helps me pass my free time and do something useful."
Back in Canada the fund helps youngsters with sight problems get the equipment and training they need to lead as normal a life as possible.
?
Coppers generally have a soft spot for kids.
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