By JAN TUTEN
Camden Bureau

CAMDEN

Neither Diana Broome nor Cheryl Faile have relatives in the Persian Gulf. But the two hair stylist shaved six customers’ head before sending them off to war.

At Hair Ways on DeKalb Street in Camden, they’ve kept up with the soldiers overseas through customers with deployed sons, daughters and spouses. At night they’ve watched news accounts from the gulf and on the home front.

Those reports spurred them to become home-front activists.

A segment on financial problem encountered by some service families touched Faile. Broome became irate at video scenes of flag burning.

Their efforts to collect donation for financially strapped families and show support for the troops evolved into an Operation Homefront rally to be held Saturday at Camden’s  National Guard Armory.

“There’s nothing we can do to help the troops, but at least we can help ease their minds. If I were over there, I’d be relieved to know someone is helping out,” Faile said.

Faile contacted some community leaders with her idea and for help in organizing the rally. Businesses, churches, individuals and county officials have fallen in line to help, she said.

More than 400 Operation Homefront shirts have been sold so far and will be available at the rally Saturday, which begins at 11 a.m. Bumper stickers and flag stickers also are being sold for the fund-raiser.

All proceeds from the rally and shirts sales will go to Moral Support Funds at Shaw Air Force Base and Fort Jackson, which assist families of Deployed troops from all branches of service.

Barbecue for 500 dinners has been donated by County Council member Hammy Moak and will be sold for $5 a plate. Area grocery stores have pitched in food, and corporate donations also are being solicited.

Cogsdill Tools in Lugoff declared Friday and Monday Operation Homefront days and encourage its workers to show their support by buying Operation Homefront shirts and wearing them to work on those days.