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'We're fighting for you': Deployed Airmen go bald for Utah boy battling cancer

  • Published
  • By Bryan Magaña
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Airmen from the 419th Fighter Wing showed their support for a Utah boy battling cancer by shaving their heads during a deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

The reservists joined about 30 deployed Airmen from across the Air Force who faced the razor Feb. 10 as part of the "Lose It for Landon" campaign to raise awareness for 11-year-old Landon Streadbeck, a Morgan resident who was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma last month.

"They're our neighbors, and my daughter goes to school with Landon," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Gualco, a reservist in the 419th Maintenance Squadron, who headed the effort. "When I told people here what we were trying to do, they wanted to help."

Gualco helped organize a group photo in front of an F-16 Fighting Falcon to show the Streadbeck family that the troops support them. Some Airmen also donated money toward the cause. 

"My daughter donated her hair to Locks of Love, and my son shaved his head in support also," Gualco said.

Gualco said he wants Landon to know the troops overseas are thinking about him: "Hang in there, kid. We're fighting for you."