BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- Four Marines saved a few dollars on shaving cream recently by growing mustaches to raise awareness for “Movember,” also known as Men’s Health Month.
The Rochester, Minn., recruiters were among 30 people who grew out their facial hair to promote early cancer detection and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths.

“It was a long a month,” laughed Staff Sgt. Paul Schmotter, 29, from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. “We all looked kind of creepy, but it was for a good cause.”

Schmotter also said he still had fun during the competition even though it was awkward explaining his new look to potential Marine applicants.

“Whenever we ran into someone with a mustache, we made sure to acknowledge them,” said Sgt. Jacob Bucinski, a 23-year-old Detroit native. “You know how people see eye to eye, we saw mustache to mustache.”

“Movember” participants met in early December to say goodbye to their newly grown stubble and enjoy a free shave.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for their participation,” said Mechelle Severson, co-manager of The Barbershop; A Hair Salon for Men. “It was great to see someone from the military step up and promote men’s health.”

Severson, who wore a stick-on mustache during the shave-off celebration to show her support, also said this was the barbershop’s first year hosting the event so she believes the number of “Movember” enthusiasts will double by next year.

“Any time we can raise awareness on something that could potentially harm thousands of people, it’s worth pursuing,” said Capt. Timothy R. O’Neil, executive officer for Recruiting Station Twin Cities.

For additional information on Men’s Health Month, visit www.movember.com.