Honoring a Hero
Richard Agers’ journey into barbering is more than a career change—it’s a calling rooted in legacy, service, and love. After leaving his full-time corporate job, Richard pursued his dream to travel across the country giving free haircuts to homeless individuals and U.S. veterans. His mission isn’t just about grooming; it’s about dignity, connection, and honoring the man who shaped him the most—his grandfather, James W. Leonard.
James W. Leonard, born in 1946, served his country with distinction. At only 19 years old, he became a lead gunner commander in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was stationed aboard the historic USS Orleck (DD-886), a Gearing-class destroyer known for its intense involvement in naval gunfire support during the war. During Leonard’s service, his ship made U.S. history—firing the first 10,000 rounds since World War II. His bravery, leadership, and relentless commitment to his crewmates left an indelible mark on everyone around him.
Richard grew up listening to his grandfather’s stories—some heroic, some painful, all deeply meaningful. The bond they shared shaped Richard’s values: respect, hard work, compassion, and a belief that every person deserves to be seen. When James passed down stories of the men he served with, the long nights at sea, and the sacrifices many veterans continued to carry long after they came home, Richard listened. And he remembered.
Today, Richard honors his grandfather’s legacy through every haircut he gives. With a pair of clippers, a chair, and a heart for service, he travels city to city, sharing kindness with those who need it most. His growing collection of TikTok videos documents these moments—haircuts given on sidewalks, in parks, outside shelters—each one a reminder that dignity can be restored through simple acts of care.
Richard believes his grandpa Jim would be proud—not just of the skill he’s mastered, but of the mission he’s embraced. Through his nonprofit, Richard is carrying forward the values his grandfather lived by: service, honor, and humanity.