The Freedom Beard; Have you sought this dream?

2015-01-22T02:29:32-05:00

As the years, months and days dwindled down towards my ETS, I dreamed of the day I would no longer have to shave. I knew several people with that view of post service freedom.

I was curious, how many others shared this, "dream?" Also how successful were you? I've met a few retired individuals that had shaved for so long, that it just wasn't in the cards to grow a beard.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 2:35 AM

2015-01-22T02:35:43-05:00

Because of my job and assignments throughout my career, I have had a beard for a large portion of my adult life. There have been a few times that I shaved and my younger daughters didn't recognize me for a few days.

Now that I'm hanging out in the conventional Army for a while, I long every day for the day that I can grow it back. I think I look like a child without it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 4:00 AM

2015-01-22T04:00:23-05:00

SPC Emerson Budreau, I definitely grew the traditional beard when I ETS'd the first time. It was a full blown beard. That was the first 90-Days or so after I got out but alas I had signed into the National Guard before I left Active Duty so I ended up having to shave.

Now, between Drills I grew a Goatee regularly. While down range I was afforded the opportunity to grow facial hair.

After deployment I returned to Active Duty in order to retire and get my full benefits.

Not 100% positive what I will do when I retire as far as facial hair as it sometimes irritates my face. Time will tell.

Have Fun with your decision making and Good Luck!

Response by SPC Emerson Budreau made Jan 22 at 2015 4:15 AM

2015-01-22T04:15:38-05:00

Oh, my decision to grow a beard has been made a long time ago. I had the 90-day break between active and National Guard as well. I shed a single tear when I had to shave.

I did a short stint in The Guard, to cut down my IRR time. Wasn't my cup of tea, and I've been out for just over three months now.

I have amassed a beard that I am quite proud of. The current goal is to grow it for as long as I served, which was just over six years, including Guard time. Just have to see how long the lady friend will allow it.

I forgot how to smile in pictures after my short stint in the Army.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 5:00 AM

2015-01-22T05:00:49-05:00

Growing a real beard and not just a goatee between drills is one of the things I looks forward to most.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jan 22 at 2015 8:29 AM

2015-01-22T08:29:28-05:00

After a 24 year career in the Air Force, I was also looking forward to the day that I could grow a retirement beard. I've been retired since 2011 and have toyed with a full beard off and on, but I usually just settle in with the full goatee.
The closest I've gotten to a proper, full beard was when a group of us DOD Civilians grew "furlough beards" back in 2013 :)