Salon 17 in Richmond Hill was nothing short of a buzz of activity on Monday, with a woman seated in nearly every chair having her makeup done or getting a new haircut.

But Monday wasn’t just another busy day for the salon — the customers were wounded warriors and other soldiers who were participating in the first Wounded Warrior Princess Day organized by Cadette Girl Scout Troop 30022 of Richmond Hill.

“We saw there was a Wounded Warrior event for sportsfishing out at Fort McAllister, and I got to thinking, ‘Women wouldn’t really be interested in that. What could we do for women?’” said troop leader Shannon GaNun. “So we came to a meeting and we brainstormed this idea — a day of beauty for women, a princess day.”
She explained that the project will be the Girl Scout troop’s entry for the Silver Award.

“The Silver Award is a project that cadettes can do but are not required to do,” she said. “It’s the highest award that a cadette Girl Scout can earn. Cadet girl scouts are sixth, seventh and eighth grade.

“It’s up to the girls and their troop leader to determine if they want to do a Silver Award every year,” she continued. “And I think, as a troop leader, it’s very important for these girls to do these extra service projects.”
GaNun said Princess Day will likely become part of the troop’s annual repertoire.

“The idea of the Silver Award project is to be something that you can continue,” she said. “So we hope to do it again next year just as a volunteer service project, not for any award.”

Priv. 1st Class Leanna Hernandez was one of the roughly 20 women who showed up Monday at Salon 17 to see about getting a new look.

“I thought this was a good opportunity to get and do something different,” she said. “I never do this kind of stuff — makeup, hair done, nothing like that.”
Hernandez had already had her makeup done and was awaiting her turn in the shampoo chair.

“I’m going to get my hair cut,” she said, touching her long dark tresses. “But not all cut off. I’ve already had it all cut off before.”
Retired Staff Sgt. Arletha Hill was at Salon 17 with her friend Spc. Shirley Stevens. Both were excited for their first makeovers.

“I actually think this is really nice of the Girl Scouts to do this,” Hill said. “I really appreciate it.”
Volunteering their time and services were Laura Strickland, stylist and owner of Salon 17, as well as stylist Alicia Porter and cosmetologist Danielle Marsh, who both work at Salon 17.

“Shannon got ahold of me (about participating),” Strickland said. “I just thought it was neat being able to help.”
The women seemed to be enjoying themselves, she said.

“I don’t think they are used to doing thing for themselves, so I think it’s been good.”
Also on hand for makeovers were Kaye McGee and two others of Mary Kay cosmetics in Savannah.

“We just did Weddings for Warriors as well. We’ve done that for five years,” McGee said. “It’s just a great way to give back to our community, and especially our soldiers. I think this was an awesome idea.”