The BRRKS (pronounced “br-icks”) is what we call the barracks—a place where we, as Service Members, are housed and supported.
For those who don’t know, I’m Kevin Martinez, a Marine Corps Veteran and Master Barber, also known as The Barracks Barber on social media 💈
The inspiration for The Brrks all started in August 2021.
That very same month, while cutting hair in San Clemente, California, I watched in shock and horror as news came in about a suicide bomber detonating a vest at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan.
That attack claimed the lives of 13 service members and 170 Afghan refugees during President Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
As a former Marine living in San Clemente, right next to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, I felt the impact deeply.
Many of the Marines injured in that bombing were locals. I reached out to some of them on Instagram, offering free haircuts—just a small gesture to acknowledge their bravery and sacrifice.
These Marines had risked everything to help save over 120,000 Afghan lives, so providing a haircut felt like the very least I could do to show my gratitude.
After a year and a half of cutting hair for these Marines, I began to realize just how much was missing from the official narrative.
The Pentagon’s investigation didn’t capture the full reality of what had happened.
There was more—a complex ambush that followed the suicide bombing. In March 2023, I decided to take action, interviewing these Marines on camera so their stories could be told.
When the interviews were shared on social media, they went viral, reaching thousands of people.
By September 2023, the investigation into the events following the bombing had reopened.
The General of CENTCOM ordered that all Marines injured in the blast be re-interviewed. Then, in April 2024, I woke up to a CNN report featuring two of my interviews that highlighted the gunfire that took place after the bombing. This investigation is still ongoing, and I believe history is being made as more truths come to light.
Since then, I’ve opened my platform to all Veterans, giving them a space to share their stories and raising awareness about the mental health crisis among service members. This journey has become much more than I ever imagined, and I’m committed to supporting my fellow Veterans every step of the way.
This journey has shown me the power of sharing stories and the impact it can have on uncovering the truth, honoring the bravery of those who served, and shedding light on the struggles many of us face long after we hang up the uniform.
Through The BRRKS, I’m dedicated to giving Veterans and those currently serving, a voice, preserving their stories, and advocating for the mental health support they deserve. Together, we’re not just telling stories—we’re building a community, fostering resilience, and ensuring that the sacrifices made are never forgotten.
This is just the beginning, and I’m honored to stand with my fellow Veterans as we continue to make history.