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Barber Shop In Idaho Gives Free Haircuts To Veterans As A Tribute To Service

February 10, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Garden City, Idaho.

At Cadillac Matt's Barber Shop in Garden City, owner Matt Queen has created more than just a place for haircuts—he’s built a community. One of the shop’s defining features is a simple but firm rule: no political discussions.

Cadillac Matt's Barber Shop / KTVB

"I just like to make everyone feel welcome, regardless of their opinion," Queen said. "I just want people to feel like they have a place to come and feel comfortable."

Beyond fostering a friendly atmosphere, Queen and his team are committed to giving back. Recently, they partnered with the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to provide free haircuts to veterans.

"We teamed up with the DAV, and we are doing veterans’ haircuts all day long. Whether you have served, serving, whatever it is, we'd love to take care of you," Queen said. "We're providing haircuts, hot towel shaves, and we're giving it all for free. We've got all of our volunteer barbers donating their time. We're just trying to do something good for the community and for the vets."

For Queen, this act of service is deeply personal. With a family history of military service, he sees this as a way to continue a tradition of honoring those who have served.

"My grandpa was a vet, my dad was a vet, and I have several clients that are vets," he said. "My grandpa was a barber for 55 years over on State Street, and he would go over to the VA and give haircuts to all the vets."

Recognizing the sacrifices veterans make, Queen believes they deserve more appreciation.

"They mean everything," he said. "I feel like a lot of them are overlooked, and a lot of them get pushed to the side, and I just think it's an awesome way to show appreciation for them and serving their time."

For Queen and his team, providing free haircuts is a small but meaningful way to give back.

"We're just giving back to the community and all the vets," he said. "I love what I do, and I'll do it until the day I die."