Base Exchange barbershop: Clippers keep trimming

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  Air Force Instruction 36-2903 states that hair must be clean, well-groomed and neat. As hair is an ever-growing issue, the need for trimming is constant.

"As long as the hair keeps growing, I still have work," said Rita Gentry, Warren Base Exchange barber. "And this is a good job."

Ms. Gentry has been cutting hair here since December 1988. Although some of the people she cuts for have moved on since then, the necessity and importance of her job remains vital to the military.

As a barber, it's important to know the job well and have people feel comfortable sitting in the chair.

"I used to be shy," Ms. Gentry said. "But then we had people that would tell me, 'I'm waiting on another barber.' So I decided to work harder."

Now, Ms. Gentry cuts hair from the lowest enlisted Airman to the highest commissioned officer.

"We get our fair share of colonels," Ms. Gentry said. "I've cut base commanders, generals; you name it and I've cut it."

Ms. Gentry has done not only the famous high and tight, but many other styles as well. However, the dominant style of hair cut has slightly changed over the years.

"I cut way closer to the head now," said Ms. Gentry. "I used to only trim a little, but now people come in wanting all the way to the skin. It's the new thing."

The base has seen some changes since the first year that Ms. Gentry began work here. Many of the dorms, parking lots and recreation areas have been improved, said Ms. Gentry.

The job acts as a stress remover, too.

"When my personal life gets rough, I can come into work and leave all that behind," Ms. Gentry said.

Karen Coch, Base Exchange barber, has been working with Ms. Gentry for 15 years.
"Rita has been working here long enough that the children's hair she used to cut now bring in kids of their own," Mrs. Coch said.

With plans of staying in Cheyenne, Ms. Gentry's talent for hair modification will continue to serve its purpose.

"I like cutting [service members'] hair," said Ms. Gentry. "It's important to them."

The Base Exchange barbershop is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (307) 638-3046.