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Show io HrhmEs HILLTOP TIMES Feb. 20. 2014 Longhorn From page 7 smoothly," Madera said Wednesday, as he helped prepare food for the restaurant's lunch hour rush. The Boston native says he's always wanted to be in the restaurant businesses and even studied at Johnson and Wales University's College of Culinary Arts. "I always had that passion for food," Madera said. "I went to Johnson and Wales for a year, but then I figured out I couldn't afford it, so I joined the Army." Madera specialized in reconnaissance and surveillance in his Army career. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq as part of one of the first Stryker Brigade teams that operated the eight-wheeled, armored fighting Stryker vehicles in the desert. "I loved the Army and I learned some invaluable Census From page 7 why they should be counted and recognized," Schow said. "But my biggest issue is that a lot of the federal dollars that come to the state to help veterans are allocated by the veteran population, so theoretically, the more vets you have, the more money you can qualify for." According to the VA, only 13 states have smaller veterans populations than Utah. Schow said he is working with the state Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion offices to create a resolution that would ask lawmakers to Clip From page 9 haircuts." Aside from Asay's new location, there are four other Sport Clips locations in the Top of Utah. The Clinton store is Asay's third Sport Clips. He became familiar with the store when he lived in Denver, where he was a regular customer. About seven years ago, Asay retired from the Ford Motor Co. as an automotive engineer. Bored with retirement, he saw two locations for sale in Idaho. "I wanted something to do other than the car business and this is certainly different," Asay said. "It's been fun. I certainly enjoy it." After the success of his shops in Pocatello and Idaho Falls, Asay decided to open his third location in Clinton. "We have a lot of family in the area," Asay said. "We like the market and it's kind of neat being near Hill Air Force Base." Although he owns three men's hair salons, Asay doesn't handle the shears himself. He leaves the hair styling to people like manager Jessica Wolfe, who came from the Pocatello salon to head the new location. "I'm the guy that vacuums hair and fixes everything in the store, and if I am lucky I get to run the lessons," Madera said. "But my dream of being in the food industry never died and I decided to leave." Madera left the Army in 2005 and got what he calls "a very promising job" with LongHorn in 2006. He was first hired as an hourly employee but quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a trainer, then a restaurant opener. "I was traveling the country and helping open new restaurants and train employees," Madera said. "It was great." But in 2009, just as Madera was being scouted for the managing partner position with LongHorn, he got a letter in the mail from the Department of Defense. Under what is known as the Individual Ready Reserve clause, Madera was called back to the Army and asked to deploy to Afghanistan — more than three years after he'd left the service. "Basically, I got a letter that said I had been re- change the census policy. "That's kind of the first step that starts any legislative action," Schow said. "So it's kind of early in the process, but this is how it starts." Schow said he also plans to contact members of Utah's congressional delegation to bend their collective ear on the issue. "This is an issue that matters," Schow said. "And it's a simple fix — all they would have to do is add two questions: Are you a veteran? And if so, are you a disabled veteran? It seems pretty easy to me." Contact reporter Mitch Shaw at 801-625-4233 or mishaw@standard.net . Follow him on Twitter at @mitchshaw23. cash register," Asay said. "The girls keep me away from everything else." Before starting work with Sport Clips six years ago, Wolfe worked at a spa and at another hair salon. But growing up with six brothers gave her a knack for cutting men's hair, which made her a great fit for Sport Clips. "We're a lot different," Wolfe said. "We have a more unique setup. We have services that customers can come and experience, our MVP and Play, and they love it." Wolfe said the salon tries to provide the feel of the neighborhood barbershop. But unlike an old-timey barbershop, or the new throw-backs, clients cannot get a straight-razor shave. Instead, Wolfe said the salon offers pressure-point massages. Layton resident Dillon Smith works nearby. He received a coupon when the store opened and decided to try it out. "It was pretty cool corning in — the whole sports memorabilia — very nice," Smith said. "I was sitting there watching SportsCenter while I got my hair cut. They did a very good job, very nice, very relaxing." Now he has a spot where he can get his hair done and talk sports. Contact reporter Jesus Lopez Jr. at 801-625-4239 or jlopez@standard.net . Follow him on Twitter at @jesuslopezSE. activated and that I was headed to Afghanistan," Madera said. "I started packing." An individual assigned to the IRR typically receives no pay and is not obligated to drill, conduct annual training or participate in any military activities until activated by what is known as a "Presidential Reserve Call Up Authority." An enlisted service member's IRR service ends after the completion of their mandatory service obligation, which is usually eight years. "I knew it was a possibility (that he could get called back to serve in the Army)," Madera said. "But it was still a total shock. The thought of it happening never crossed my mind. Most of the (Army officials) that I talked to hadn't heard of anything like this happening since the Vietnam days." But Madera dutifully accepted his orders and shipped off to Afghanistan. Madera was in Afghanistan until 2010. When he returned, he joined the LongHorn team again and although he was never officially hired for the position, Madera had a spot reserved for him in the restaurant's management training program. "Because I didn't actually have the position when I left, they weren't required to keep it for me," Madera said. "But, obviously I'm glad they did." Madera said he uses the lessons he's learned in the military — specifically the experience of being called back to serve out of the blue — nearly every day. "In the restaurant business, things can get busy and hectic, but you have to learn to deal with things as they come," he said. "You never really know what card you'll be dealt, but you've got to do the best with the situation you're in." As expected, the military, and specifically veterans, remain close to Madera's heart. He employs two National Guard veterans and works closely with the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden to host charity events throughout the year. In early February, to celebrate one year of business in Ogden, Madera held a free breakfast for 50 Top of Utah veterans and some of their guests. Most of the veterans came from the Wahlen Veterans Home, but veterans from Hill Air Force Base attended as well. "I just want to let these men and women know they are appreciated," Madera said. "I feel like I've been very fortunate in my life and I want to give some of that back to them." Contact reporter Mitch Shaw at 801-625-4233 or mishaw@standard.net . Follow him on Twitter at @mitchshaw23. ** * * * * * ** ** * * * * **YOU CAN SHOP ONLINE *AT Frwiks . 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