Going Bald for One's Art

Just in time for opening night, Daddy Warbucks went bald.

John Legas, pastor at Cornerstone Community Baptist Church, plays Daddy Warbucks in the Heavier Than Air production of "Annie." He joined the ranks of many famous actors when he decided to sacrifice his hair for the sake of his art. John had a fan club waiting when he arrived at rehearsal on Tuesday. Fellow cast members were there to offer support and bear witness to John's head-shaving with cameras and cell phones. Bravely, John allowed the cast of orphans to start the process.

"Anyway, he can't chicken out because it's already in the program," said one little girl.

The cast of orphans, students from local Kent, Renton, Auburn, and Covington elementary and junior high schools, took turns shaving John's head from start to finish amid giggles and words of advice. The cast of "Annie" includes members ranging in age from 8 to 68.

John joins the ranks of many other actors who have had their heads shaved for a role: Albert Finney as Daddy Warbucks in the movie "Annie," Marlon Brando in "Apocalypse Now," Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Batman and Robin," and Demi Moore in "G.I. Jane." Even Oscar, the famous golden statue, is bald.

For more information on performance dates, visit the SoCoCulture calendar.

Honoring Our Veterans

There are many ceremonies being held throughout South King County to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Visit our SoCoCulture calendar to locate one near you.

On November 13, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Colonel Joe M. Jackson will be a featured speaker at the Veterans Day Observance in Federal Way. The event is co-sponsored by the Historical Society of Federal Way and the Noon Kiwanis of Federal Way.

Here is the citation Lt. Col. Jackson received in conjunction with his Medal of Honor:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Lt. Col. Jackson distinguished himself as pilot of a C-123 aircraft. Lt. Col. Jackson volunteered to attempt the rescue of a 3-man USAF Combat Control Team from the special forces camp at Kham Duc. Hostile forces had overrun the forward outpost and established gun positions on the airstrip. They were raking the camp with small arms, mortars, light and heavy automatic weapons, and recoilless rifle fire. The camp was engulfed in flames and ammunition dumps were continuously exploding and littering the runway with debris. In addition, 8 aircraft had been destroyed by the intense enemy fire and 1 aircraft remained on the runway, reducing its usable length to only 2,200 feet. To further complicate the landing, the weather was deteriorating rapidly, thereby permitting only 1 air strike prior to his landing. Although fully aware of the extreme danger and likely failure of such an attempt, Lt. Col. Jackson elected to land his aircraft and attempt to rescue. Displaying superb airmanshipa nd extraordinary heroism, he landed his aircraft near the point where the combat control team was reported to be hiding. While on the ground, his aircraft was the target of intense hostile fire. A rocket landed in front of the nose of the aircraft but failed to explode. Once the combat control team was aboard, Lt. Col. Jackson succeeded in getting airborne despite the hostile fire directed across the runway in front of his aircraft. Lt. Col. Jackson's profound concern for his fellow men, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself, and the Armed Forces of his country."