OK, this one’s not really AZ-related, but it’s just too cool to not write about. Meet Gary Weddle, a 50-year-old substitute teacher in Oregon who hasn’t shaved or even trimmed his beard since September, 11 2001. It all stems from a pledge he made to his students nearly 10 years ago to not cut his beard until Osama bin Laden was captured or killed.

Needless to say, Weddle broke out the razor last night and is now clean shaven. Click read more to see what he looks like now.

All images via the Daily Astorian

According to the local newspaper,

“Weddle was 41 when he made his vow. The Weddle’s daughter was 13 and their twin daughters were 12. Now they’re 23 and 22.

‘I wanted him to get rid of it, but it was his vow,’ [wife] Donita said. ‘I respected his passion and keeping a vow. I was willing to look past the beard because I love him.’

‘He looks 10 years younger,’ she said. ‘It’s a very happy moment for us. It’s a very happy moment for the whole nation.’”

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