Being a veteran, shaving holds a special place in my heart. On a daily basis, I had to ensure not a single hair was left on my face.

During my first couple years in the Army, this was done for fear of physical punishment, and this was also done as a leader to set a good example. Even in Iraq, there was no excuse for not having shaved each day.

Now that I am college student, I have decided this year - in honor of many years of shaving daily - I am going to give my Gillette Mach3 a rest and see what kind of beard I can grow in 30 days.

Like countless men across the nation, I am swearing off shaving for the entire month of November. I am upping the ante, though, and have agreed upon the rules stated by the Facebook.com group "No Shave November" saying if I shave during the month of November, I will pay the price by having my legs waxed.

Look out for my article each week as I describe what it's like to have more hair on my face than ever before.