By Cpl. Stacy Taylor

Ex MAPLE GUARDIAN 10-01

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FORT IRWIN, CA - As I am about to enter the sand-filled hallway that I have walked everyday for the past two months, something catches my eye.  I turn my head as the brilliant California sun twinkles ever so magnificently off the finely groomed handle-bar moustache of Major George Garrard (Ex MAPLE GUARDIAN EXCON J4.)  I continue my way into my place of work, as I have each day before, and take my place among my fellow clerks hard at work.  We strike up conversation about one of our Sergeant's poor friends who had to lose his moustache in the name of charity. 

Eureka! An idea is born.

I intend to raise $500, which will be donated to the Canadian Wounded Warriors Fund and the American Wounded Warriors Project and in return, Maj. Garrard will shave his signature moustache.  The very next day, with my paper cut-out moustache firmly affixed to my upper-lip, and the blessing from Maj. Garrard, I begin my journey. Some give their daily pocket change, but many strive to gain the title of "highest donation" which comes with the prestigious honour of clipping a side of the moustache. This honour goes to the two soldiers who donate the greatest amount by the close of the campaign.

February 21st approaches fast as we count up the last of the donations, totalling approximately $400.  A generous last minute donation of $100 from Private Chris Imamshah, one of our very own EXCON Orderly Room clerks, puts us over the $500 mark.  Maj. Garrard says his last goodbyes to his old faithful friend, as I sharpen the scissors that will be used to do the deed.

As Major Derrick Allday (Ex MAPLE GUARDIAN EXCON J1) and Lieutenant Colonel Neil Nicholson (Ex MAPLE GUARDIAN EXCON COS) stand before him with scissors in hand, I can't help but think that I see a small tear trickle down Maj. Garrard's cheek.  Perhaps it is simply a bead of sweat as these two soldiers who have earned this right get every so close to his face with their sharpened scissors.

So, as this exercise finally draws to an end, and we clean the sand off of all our belongings, I wish to thank Maj. Garrard for his bravery, sportsmanship and willingness to give up his moustache in the name of such worthy charities.  To my fellow Canadian and American soldiers whom I am proud to serve beside, thank you for your generosity and willingness to unload some pocket change.  But the real thank you goes to our Countries’ heroes, our American and Canadian warriors who have stood beside us and for us and who ended up giving to us, more than we can ever repay.