Photo By Sgt. Michael Baltz | Air Force Tech Sgt. Ronald Comer, an information management specialist deployed here...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Many people have nicknames, and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ronald Comer is no different. He has earned the nickname of "Floyd the Barber," a character from the Andy Griffith Show.
Comer, an information management specialist with the 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, has been cutting the hair of fellow Airmen since day one of his deployment to Joint Task Force Guantanamo.
"I never cut hair before," Comer said. "The first night here, some guys wanted a haircut and I just started practicing. I now have over 40 customers."
Along with a table of magazines to read while people wait for a haircut, Comer has his own barber's chair, trimmers, razors and clippers.
"I don't charge anything, I am just helping out the guys," Comer said. "It builds morale. It keeps them within regulation and looking good. It also saves them the hassle of sitting in line and getting a haircut. I do get tips every now and then, but it isn't necessary."
Comer has evolved from day one; cutting more than 400 heads of hair since he has been here.
"I can do a fade," Comer said. "I am pretty picky about things, so I try to do a good job. I cut their hair to fit their head. I want them to be proud of it."
Comer is dedicated to keeping his clients looking sharp.
"I can't cut people's hair when they are busy, so I am pretty flexible," Comer said. "I usually cut hair when people have free time or in the evening or on the weekends. I did one last week at 7 a.m."
Comer doesn't claim to be perfect and admits to making mistakes along the way.
"I have put the wrong guard on before, but it all worked out," Comer said casually. "I just cut it shorter."
One person he is sure to take care of is the 474th ECES commander, Air Force Lt. Col. John Dulin.
"It is a great thing he is doing, it allows everyone to look good," Dulin said. "He gives a good haircut. We give him the time and ability to do it."
Dulin said there would not be any repercussions if Comer made a mistake.
"He hasn't messed up my hair," Dulin said. "Yet."
Unfortunately, the females haven't been able to enjoy Comer's haircuts.
"They won't let me cut their hair," Comer said gloomily.
"I am going to start cutting my wife's hair though; it will save me some money," Comer added jokingly.
As far as continuing his new role in the unit, it will not end anytime soon.
"[My unit members] want me to keep on cutting their hair when I get home," Comer said. "I have already made a deal with a few of them to keep on doing it on drill weekends."
For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site at www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.
| Date Taken: | 07.28.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.06.2009 15:38 |
| Story ID: | 37223 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 253 |
| Downloads: | 196 |
This work, GTMO's 'Floyd the barber', by SGT Michael Baltz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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