WEBSTER, Mass. – A local American Legion post and a barbershop are teaming up for a good cause, offering free in-home haircuts to veterans through a new "Haircuts for Heroes" program.

John Kardas, commander of Webster/Dudley American Legion Post 184, said not only can the program make veterans’ days a little brighter with a fresh haircut, it’s also an opportunity to share camaraderie and social interactions that many older veterans don’t get as often as they should.

“These guys all have memories of what they went through, some good, some bad, and it’s something we should always remember and make sure people know about,” Kardas said. “Just going out and talking to these guys, letting them know we care and are thankful for what they’ve done.”

On Wednesday, Kardas and lead barber Tito Delgado of Webster’s Choice Barbershop visited the home of 93-year-old Navy veteran Don Wayman, who was grateful for their kindness and conversation.

“I’m not really homebound, but it’s much easier for me than going down to Main Street, finding a parking place and stumbling into the salon,” Wayman said.

Wayman is still energetic as ever and throughout the haircut, he smiled, laughed and told stories from his days in the Navy and his memories of growing up in Webster in the 1930s and 40s.

One winter, he recalled, there was so much snow and ice on the roads, the town gave its residents shovels, pickaxes and hammers, and put them to work.

“They got out into the road, it was on East Main Street, and they chopped ice,” Wayman said. “That was low-tech. Bring your own hammer. They were probably getting 12 cents an hour.”

While Wayman was just the second haircut of the Haircuts for Heroes program, Delgado said he’s excited about what lies ahead, and has a passion for the mission. He said his father and brothers served in the military, and growing up with little money, he sympathizes with veterans who have trouble getting out of the house or taking care of themselves.

“We grew up with nothing, so this helps me. I wish I had somebody helping more and doing all of that when we were younger, but no, we found our way. And now, it’s one of the main motivations, not just giving back to them or giving them their flowers, but listening to this,” Delgado said. “I could sit here for hours listening to him.”

For veterans who are able to get out of the house easier, Haircuts for Heroes asks that you contact Delgado directly at Webster’s Choice Barbershop by calling (508)-943-1776. For those who prefer an in-home appointment, contact the Webster/Dudley American Legion Post 184 at (508)-943-9039.