Grandville post steps up to challenge

Catherine Buckley promised Legion Riders at her post that if they collected $100 in donations, she would get her first buzz cut as part of The American Legion’s Buzz Cut Challenge.

The Riders collected the money and Buckley — commander of Post 179 in Grandville, Mich. — made good on her vow. “I wonder what my grand-daughter is going to think when she sees me on Facebook,” she said as her hair was being cut. “All this because I love The American Legion.”

Buckley was among more than a dozen veterans and others who received buzz cuts from Great Clips stylists at the post Wednesday as part of the Buzz Cut Challenge. The American Legion is teaming up with Great Clips on the challenge that raises funds that will go toward assisting veterans, servicemembers and their families. Buzz cuts are given for a suggested donation of $10.

“Here in the Grand Rapids area, we have a lot of veterans who reach out to us who are in need,” said Buckley, a Navy veteran. “Anything — any challenge — that we can do to help raise some funds to help them out, it’s always beneficial.”

More than $450 was raised at the post on Wednesday. Other buzz cut events are scheduled through Nov. 10.

For people who do not live near a Buzz Cut Challenge event, they can still take part by posting a photo or video of their buzz cut on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using hashtag #BuzzCutChallenge. Then, they can extend the challenge to friends and family.

Donations can be made online.

Buckley learned about the challenge from the Department of Michigan. “I did the research and found out who it was benefitting and since we have one of the biggest halls in the area, I thought it would be appropriate to host it here,” she said. “It was a no-brainer.”

Larry Lambert, a member of Post 28 in Grand Haven, Mich., was among a group of Legion Riders who made the 40-mile trip to Grandville. Lambert said this was one of many ways that he gives back to veterans.

“I’m a post service officer; I try to connect veterans with VA and different funding that’s available,” he said. “I’ve pretty much dedicated my post-working life to veterans affairs. To me, this is just second nature. To me and the guys I ride with, we all bust our butts doing things for veterans so this is nothing unusual.”

The buzz cut reminded Lambert of his rite of passage into the military.

"Yes, this takes me back,” he said. “When she drew the razor back across my head, I was thinking that the last time somebody did that was in 1962. I did have a little flashback, but it wasn’t as scary as last time.”

Steve Dater, who was in the Navy reserves, said he understands what a lot of veterans go through so he drove more than 40 miles to participate. “I figured, what the heck, I would come down here and check it out. It’s for a good cause. Anytime I can do something for vets, I do it.”

Dater left the post with a buzz cut, membership application and plans to join the Legion.

Buckley appreciated the efforts and support of Great Clips stylists, community members and others.

“When the community reaches out and helps us veterans, it’s really heart-warming because it shows they really do care,” Buckley said. “That’s all we want. We served our country to benefit them. To be noticed, it’s heart-warming.”