Those of you who have been reading this blog for very long know that I retired from the Air Force after 23 years of flying a desk in support of those gladiators of the air who flew more glamorous things. I still work for the Air Force as a contractor, and I consider myself to be a life member of the fraternity (and sorority!) of those who take the oath to defend the nation.
For those who are on active duty nowadays, things are tough. There are frequent deployments to garden spots like Afghanistan, with all the attendant dangers and the stresses of separation from families and loved ones. There's the challenge of "doing more with less" in an era of budget reductions, and the uncertainty of being able to continue a career in the Service as the force downsizes to meet the harsh realities of the new fiscal climate.
Keeping up the spirits of the troops in the face of adversity is always a big job for commanders and supervisors at all levels. They're always looking for things to boost morale ... especially nowadays, things that don't cost anything.
The Air Force has a morale-building tradition that dates back to the days of the Vietnam War. Here's how it was described in a 2009 article by 1st Lieutenant Elizabeth McLean of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group ...
"Mustache March originated during the Vietnam War when a fighter pilot named Robin Olds grew what he called a 'bulletproof mustache.' At the time mustaches weren't allowed to be sported in the military, but Olds, who was far from home on a military base in Vietnam, thought the mustache defined his individuality, so he kept it. This occurred in the month of March 1965. Thus the roots of Mustache March were born. Since then Air Force pilots have devoted one month of defiance of the Air Force facial hair regulations as a way of good-natured protest, and pay to tribute to General Robin Olds."
“Their job is to ridicule us nonstop about the idiotic look that these mustaches will have on most of us, as we try to look like Tom Selleck and end up looking like a three-haired mole,” he said. “Fight’s on.”
Now, I've never worn a mustache, and have never particularly wanted to. My father wears one and it makes him look distinguished, but I just can't see myself with a soup strainer. Nevertheless, in the interest of camaraderie with my active duty Air Force brethren, perhaps I'll give it a shot. Agnes has applied some of her PhotoShop skills to see how things might turn out ...
Have a good day. Keep doing the Spring Dance ... sooner or later it's got to work.
More thoughts tomorrow.
Bilbo
* Most Air Force women don't have mustaches. I can't speak for the Army and Navy, much less the Marines.
** Hint ... the correct answer is "no."
