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Airmen have long held a standard of dress and appearance that reflects how much pride they take in being in the military.
Perhaps there’s no one on Ramstein that understands the Air Force’s passion for maintaining standards better than one of the longest-working barbers on base, Claudia Gomez.
“I’ve been cutting hair for so long on Ramstein, but I’ve always had the goal to provide a comfortable experience for my customers,” Gomez said. “I want them to come in here and feel they have a place to relax and enjoy a nice haircut, one that I try to make so it reflects who they are.”
Gomez began her career as a barber at Ramstein 35 years ago. When she started, Gomez was nervous about some of the customers she welcomed in and served.
“I remember very early in my time here, I started cutting the hair of some generals; I was very nervous,” she said. “But over time, I became fine with it. They’re just like any other customer. I love talking with them and seeing their smile after they see the finished product. It is very satisfying. It’s why I love what I do.”
The more hair she trimmed, the more confidence she gained. Over many years, Gomez has accumulated a massive list of visitors. She left enough of an impact for them to leave her with something that lasts longer than a haircut can.
Hanging from the walls are portraits of generals, each one with a message of appreciation etched on it. The earliest portrait dates back to 1983.
For Gomez, the wall of photos is a constant reminder of her impact on the Airmen that have paid her a visit.
“I’ve met thousands of people and even made a few friends through this job,” Gomez said. “I enjoy making relationships with people.”
One of the Airmen who recently received a hair cut from Gomez is Airman 1st Class Hector Montoya, 721st Aerial Port Squadron passenger service agent.
“I sort of just found her barber shop as I was looking around, and the first thing I thought was that it reminded me of my hometown shop,” Montoya said. “Gomez was very nice and very detailed about the haircut. You can tell she is passionate about what she does.”
The Air Force was 33 years old when Gomez began working on Ramstein in 1981. Now, having just celebrated its 69th birthday, the Air Force and its Airmen couldn’t take pride in such a high standard of dress and appearance without her and the hundreds of dedicated barbers around the Air Force.
