Local barbers welcomed families of all sizes and of all hair lengths out of the March 9 rain and into a slammin’, jammin’ makeshift barbershop at the Port Orchard Eagles, host of a fundraiser for veterans.

Haircuts for Heroes, like many a fundraiser, had been forced into the shadows by the circumstances of COVID. Communities of veterans were hit hard by the negative effects of the pandemic, but VFW Post 2669 leadership said this year’s return of the event is an important step in ensuring veterans are not just recognized for their service but continuously supported.

Post Cmdr. Todd Gruchalla was more than happy about the return of Haircuts for Heroes, saying, “The VFW tries to bridge the gap between our nonprofit organization and the community, because without the community, the veterans are not here.”

Haircuts for Heroes had been hosted prior to COVID at the Brass Ring, a local beauty salon that helped the VFW raise thousands of dollars. This year’s fundraiser found a home at the Eagles, and for just $10 staff from Lenny’s Classic Barbershop and Zehaira Salon tended to the hairstyles of customers.

To the appeal of a haircut for a fundraising idea, Jennifer Williams said, “It just makes you feel good. Like, you have a great haircut, you can rule the world. The money you’re spending on it going towards local veterans, it’s even better.”

Another $10 paid for a meal, and as for entertainment, the musical stylings of Ignite kept the building filled with tunes. More chances to raise money were presented in the form of raffle baskets and a live auction, with all proceeds going to help veterans.

Lenny’s owners Jeff and Kimberly Crenshaw, whose shop walls are decorated with the caps and pictures of veterans, embraced the chance to serve local veterans. “My oldest daughter served in the Air Force, and she was in Iraq, so there’s always a little tender spot,” Kimberly said. “We live in a community that is veteran-driven, and the cause is really near and dear to us.”