Layton, UT -- French obstruction of U.S. and NATO plans haven't gone over well in communities that might be sending U.S. forces to Turkey. The latest backlash against the French? A cosmetic medical clinic next to Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah, is offering free underarm hair removal treatments to all female members of the military as well the wives and girlfriends of military personnel.

Underarm hair on women in France is common and the offer of free hair removal is a caustic jab at the stance the French are taking.

“We’re not attacking the French as much as we are showing our support for our men and women that are being sent to Turkey,” says the clinic’s Medical Director, Dr. Aaron Barson, a retired Air Force Colonel and Hill’s former Chief Medical Officer who already knows and treats many patients from the base.

“The French have been obstructing the defense of a country where our servicemen are deployed,” said Dr. Barson. “Whatever the politics, we wanted to show support for our troops.”

All female military as well as the wives and girlfriends of military personnel on active duty may receive the FDA approved treatments for free. The hope is that the message will filter back to the front line troops that they are being supported by Americans no matter their political stance and that their loved ones are respected and cared for.

“Whatever your politics,” said Dr. Barson,”We want our troops to know that they have our support.”

Surface is a medical company that provides cosmetic skin procedures and hair removal using new non-invasive light technologies. The company’s web site, www.surface-med.com offers treatment and technology information.

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Photo: Splitting hairs

COLIN BRALEY/Standard-Examiner

Heather Gulthrie (left) has her armpit hair removed by a pulsed light device operated by technician Tiffany Truman as her fiance, senior airman Doug Kirby with the 388th EMS at Hill Air Force Base, looks on. Playing on the alternative hair preferences of the French, Surface, a hair removal and skin treatment clinic located in Layton, is offering the hair removal treatment free to all service women and wives and girlfriends of servicemen to protest the French government's anti-American stance on Iraq.

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