'CoUnT On Mee' Treats Fort Bragg Ladies to Free Haircuts for One Year

Though Steve Loper of Cary never served his country in uniform, he is serving military communities in his own way.

Loper grew up in Fayetteville and knew that it was different growing up in a military town, but he never guessed what effect it might have on him. Now at the age of 33 it is all coming together. On Feb. 7, 2011, “CoUnT On Mee” started after he and his wife, Kirti, were watching an episode on Oprah featuring broadcast journalist Tom Brokaw and first lady Michelle Obama. 

When he heard Brokaw say that "less than 1 percent of the American population is bearing 100 percent of the burden of battle" Loper was inspired to take action.

"However you feel about the war and the appropriateness of it, you must honor these people and their families," said Brokaw.

Loper said the first lady went on to mention about giving back to the community. She mentioned military wives in general and thought they were under appreciated and deserved some recognition and thanks. She was asking the viewers to reach out and take action.

"We do tend to forget about these families. Growing up in Fayetteville many of my friends were military," said Loper. "I never thought twice about the burden being left on the mom/wife to care for all the details of daily life."

Loper said that the show put these thoughts in the fore front of his mind, and then it clicked. He thought, 'Count on me. How about, Count on Mee. Or even better CoUnT On Mee. Capital C-U-T, Mee.'

He immediately called his sister, Meegan Loper, a hair stylist at Hair Villa, on Ramsey Street in Fayetteville, who has a passion for what she does and has an enormous heart. He knew she would be on board. Loper said they chatted on the phone and not 10 minutes later she agreed not just to a free day of hair cuts one day this year, but a free shampoo, cut and style every Tuesday through Saturday for a year.

"I've already done about 160 ladies already," said Meegan. "It's a good feeling to give back to such a tight-knit family".

The word has spread fast and the Facebook page, 'CoUnT On MEE' - (the two letter e's are for Meegan's name), which already has 800 'likes'. Directions are on the site for the ladies to apply along with a brief history about the organization and the people behind it. 

They are currently in their sixth week of actually getting the wives into the salon, and the response has been overwhelming. More than 60 wives have enjoyed the free cut. Many come in and get the cut but also add color or highlights and leave not only looking beautiful but feeling appreciated.

Army posts at Fort Hood, Fort Sill and Fort Benning also have participating salons. They hope to reach more than 1,000 military spouses by the end of the year.