Just grow it

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Krystal Jimenez
  • 22 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Sunday marks the start of the long-awaited Mustache March.

All willing and able lips are encouraged to grow a mustache, as long as it meets Air Force regulations, and anyone with an objection will have to shave it for later.

"I think Mustache March is a great opportunity for our Airmen to show some creativity and individuality," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Morris, 22nd Air Refueling Wing command chief  "I myself plan to grow a full bodied beauty!"

While mustaches come in all shapes and sizes, one mustache in particular was so iconic it is attributed with the beginnings of Mustache March.

Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, a triple ace with a total of 16 victories, is well known for the robust mustache he sported during the Vietnam War. What was then known as the "bulletproof stache"  was a common sight among Airmen. During the Vietnam War, it was a common superstition that "real" men wore mustaches, and only "real" men would make it home alive.

It has also been said that Olds wore his mustache as a symbol of individuality and in defiance of grooming standards. However, when he first reported back to the States, then Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. McConnell, ordered then Col. Robin Olds to shave his glorious mustache to which he replied, "Yes, sir."

This marvelous mustached man is still attributed with launching Mustache March nearly eight years after his passing and one thing seems for certain: just like the mustaches, this tradition is here to stay. 

In honor of glorious mustaches from the past, Team McConnell will be hosting a Mustache March Madness competition.

The competition is open to active duty, guard and reserve. Participants must be clean shaven at the start of March (no head starts). The 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office has the final call on which mustaches are deemed out of Air Force regulations. Winners will be determined by whoever has the most 'likes' between the two photographs facing off against each other for the week on Facebook.

To enter the competition, stop by the PA studio in Bldg. 795 between 8:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday to take your official entry photo. The top "Fu Manchu 32" will be posted March 6. A full list of rules will be published on the McConnell Facebook page starting March 2.