Why Bearded Villains are Our Heroes

Last fall, a group of bearded men— okay, IMPOSING bearded men—came out to skydive. They brought an entourage of about 40 people with them, so we had to learn their story.

Turns out these gentlemen are part of the group, Bearded Villians, an international organization with a mission to "Unite Bearded Men of all cultures, races, creed and sexuality in a Brotherhood devoted to Loyalty, Honor and Respect toward all people, dedicated to the betterment of mankind through Fraternity, Charity and Kindness."

This group came to Skydive Indianapolis for a fundraiser; five members were jumping to raise money for a Veterans' Memorial in Pittsboro, Indiana. Five thousand dollars would cover initial costs; anything extra would go towards paths, lights, benches, and so forth.

Of course, the Bearded Villains is a brotherhood, a community, so these skydivers had a lot of support.  Our hangar was filled with bearded supportres, family, friends and the Young Marines of Hendricks County, a youth organization that serves its community and was part of the memorial initiative, as well. 

Needless to say, the Bearded Villians exceeded their fundraising goals. But they achieved a lot more that day. They came into the drop zone as big, intimidating fellows and they taught us the importance of looking past appearances to the person within, in this case, a group of gentlemen who will go that extra mile and step out of their comfort zone in order to make a difference.

Which makes the Bearded Villians our heroes.