I am a career army service member and veteran, having proudly served my country for many years, including deployments to combat zones. Since 2013, I've had a medically certified condition known as a shaving profile. This condition is not exclusive to any one racial group; while it affects many minorities, there are also Caucasian soldiers, like myself, who are impacted. Despite this, recent decisions suggest that soldiers like me might be dismissed from service without due medical consideration for a legally acknowledged clinical diagnosis.

The issue at hand is not just about shaving profiles, but about treating all medically documented conditions with respect and fairness. In the military, medical discharges are valid for conditions like lung disease or immune disorders because they are recognized as legitimate medical issues. A shaving profile, which involves a clinical diagnosis and treatment regimen, should be no different. Ignoring this not only puts soldiers' careers at risk but also undermines the trust in military healthcare protocols.

J.D. Vance's recent proclamation threatens to separate me from my service without the medical support warranted by my condition, even though it's clinically diagnosed and validated by military, civilian, and VA doctors. The scars I carry are testament to the rigorous shaving requirements I have adhered to as a service member. Yet, during my decade of service without shaving, my job performance has never been hindered.

It is crucial for military authorities to recognize this condition with the seriousness it deserves. By not doing so, they jeopardize not only the livelihood of dedicated soldiers but also the diversity and inclusion that strengthens our armed forces. Re-evaluating the policies surrounding shaving profiles will ensure that soldiers receive fair treatment under consistent medical standards.

I urge military leaders to make an informed decision to protect soldiers with shaving-related medical conditions from unjust dismissal. Let us uphold the values of fairness and equality in our armed forces. Please sign this petition to support a change in policy, ensuring that all soldiers receive the medical attention and respect they deserve, regardless of their condition.