Bearded Villains Help a Local Hero: Life for a Disabled Veteran
By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network
CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – When individuals learn that the “Bearded Villains” are on their way to town, the usual assumption isn’t that the group will engage in community service. Yet, this club finds joy in exactly that: aiding its community.ย
On March 16, 2024, seven men convened in Cherryville to assist a veteran in need. They are all members of the Bearded Villains, a service organization that unites bearded men under the pretense of community service.
Despite their intimidating name, the Bearded Villains are anything but your typical villains. The group is made up of 165 chapters united to provide community service and support to those in need.
Matt Aldridge is a Bearded Villain from the Queen City chapter from Charlotte. He lives next door to a veteran named Glenn Hutchings. After living next to Hutchings for a couple of years, Aldridge realized that his neighbor could use some support.
Hutchings is a former Air Force member with 15 years of service. He has neuropathy in his legs, has had three hernias and also has diabetes. His disabilities make getting outside to do yard work and home maintenance difficult.
The Bearded Villains gathered to help Hutchings by cleaning his gutters and trimming his landscaping.
“They surprised me. All these big men come and take care of my outside,” said Hutchings.ย
Although he is grateful for the assistance, Hutchings said he receives little help from other organizations.
“I haven’t had anybody help me except the Baptist church that built the ramp,” said Hutchings.ย
The ramp was built for his wife, who passed away a year and a half ago. She had several disabilities and Hutchings was her primary caretaker.
“When she passed, I’m here alone, you know? I can’t even get to the doctors, you know, [with] the VA being in Charlotte,” said Hutchings.
Hutchings has a difficult time getting transportation to the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Charlotte. Typically, he gets a ride to Gastonia and then takes the bus to Charlotte. However, he frequently encounters trouble with getting home. This is just one example of the obstacles Hutchings faces when it comes to receiving care.
The Bearded Villains support Hutchings out of respect, viewing it as a privilege to aid a man who dedicated himself to serving his country.
While the Bearded Villains support various causes, the Queen City chapter has veteran members and understands the crucial need for outside support for veterans. Jesse Lane, a member of the chapter, offered insight into their frequentย focus on veterans.