KANDAHAR — Sergeant Dave Robinson has been sporting a mustache for 22 years. Not anymore.

And Warrant Officer Al Organ hasn't had a brush cut since he was in army cadets. Take a look at him now.

As for young Lieutenant Craig Scott, platoon commander. It's all gone.

Two shaved heads, and a clean upper lip.

And would you believe it, a bunch of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan paid a grand sum of US$699 for the privilege of wielding the shaver.

That's not all. The boys from the motor pool actually raised more than US$2,000 that will now be sent to a place called Fisher House in Landstuhl, Germany. It's a cause that's very close to their hearts.

Every one of them knows that someday, they might end up on a stretcher being flown to Landstuhl, where the Americans run a huge medical facility.

All of the seriously wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan are taken there, including Canadians, and Fisher House is a residence where visiting families can stay at very low cost. Donations keep the cost down, and they will soon get another 2,000 bucks.

The Canadian contribution all started with members of the Combat Service Support section, and they do a lot more here than just fix motors and change the oil on armored vehicles. Some of them drive big tankers and ammunition trucks out to the operating bases, and a few have been to Afghanistan more than once. Essentially they keep the supply lines open, and they're a close and generous bunch.

Anyway, in their desire to help a good cause, somebody came up with the idea of auctioning off the lieutenant's hair ($134) and the sergeant's mustache ($65.) But the highest bid of all was saved for the thick, brown locks of Warrant Officer Al Organ, who either has a lot of friends or a lot of enemies.

Going once, going twice, going three times ... at $500.

Canadian Forces:
Hospital Comforts Program

Landstuhl Fisher House
CMR 402 Box 669
APO AE 09180
Landstuhl, Germany

info@fisherhouse.org