Buffer Has Close Shave for Charity

26 March 2009

The Armidale Class Patrol Boat Crew Aware Three decided to step up for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave initiative recently by ‘volunteering’ Petty Officer (PO) Boatswain Steve Shelton to shave off his trade mark ‘Santa’ beard and healthy head of fashionably greying hair.

According to the Commanding Officer, LCDR Jeff Davison, it was an easy decision. “We wanted to raise money for a charitable cause – the Victorian Bush Fires Appeal was looking rather healthy so we opted for the Leukaemia Foundation,” he said.

“Defence Establishment Larrakeyah personnel had entered a team and were looking for support so it was an obvious choice, as was the selected victim!”

“Most of the crew, myself included, keep our hair on the short side, but PO Shelton has, or rather had, a trademark beard and healthy mop on top, so we promised him that we would give generously if he shaved off.”

With the support of his wife, PO Shelton was duly shaved by ABBM Julian Clarke and ABCK Matthew Norman minutes before the crew departed Darwin to resume an Operation Resolute patrol embarked in HMAS Maryborough.

Over $1700 was raised by the crew, including the embarked members of Tactical Security Element 52, as well as family and friends of PO Shelton, who is now growing his hair and beard back in time for next Christmas.