Buzz Cut Challenge events raise more than $6,500

In 11 cities across the country, hundreds of people accepted the Buzz Cut Challenge and said goodbye to their hair to raise money to support veterans, servicemembers and their families.

The American Legion teamed up with Great Clips and held Buzz Cut Challenge events from Nov. 2-9 at Legion posts where Great Clips stylists provided buzz cuts for a suggested donation of $10. More than $6,500 was raised, which will benefit veterans, active-duty servicemembers and their families through the programs and services of The American Legion.

The Buzz Cut Challenge kicked off in Minnesota at Post 435 in Richfield where several Legion Family members let their hair hit the floor, and in Grandville, Mich., Post 179 Commander Catherine Buckley received her first buzz cut ever. The Buzz Cut Challenge event at Post 330 in Calumet City, Ill., "showed the community that The American Legion is here for them," said Sons of The American Legion Squadron 330 member Mike Sawicki. Sawicki received a buzz cut and is an SAL member because "it's a great way to say thank you" to all men and women who "fought for the freedoms that we have here. We forget about our veterans, and we can't."

For people who did not live near a Buzz Cut Challenge event, participation is ongoing. Anyone can post a photo or video of their buzz cut on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using hashtag #BuzzCutChallenge. Or donations can be made online.

On Veterans Day, Great Clips salons nationwide are offering veterans either a free haircut or a free haircut card to use at a later date. And any non-veteran Great Clips customer who gets a haircut on Veterans Day will receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran or active-duty servicemember in appreciation of their service.