Citing his belief in an ancient Nordic religion, an Army National Guard member and Alabama native has received a waiver allowing him to wear a beard.

Nevada Army Guard Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Hopper, 34, of Madison, Alabama, said the beard is part of his Norse pagan faith, a belief system he’s practiced for more than 20 years. The Department of Defense exception granted in March allows Hopper to wear his full reddish-brown beard during deployment to Afghanistan despite Army regulations against facial hair.

Hopper is the first Nevada guard member to receive a religious accommodation approval for a beard

Hopper said his faith is in keeping with the military’s goals and mission.

“My personal faith is deeply tied to the modern warrior lifestyle that I have been able to live during my military career,” Hopper said. “In short, it is honoring the pillars of Heathenism, our ancestors and ancient Gods and way of life.”

Hopper said his beard does draw questions from other military personnel.

“Regardless of why, the wear of a beard while in uniform does tend to raise a number of questions,” he said. “I’ve been brought before some fairly high-ranking individuals to explain the situation as it is a newer process in the Army.”

Hopper explained that Norse Paganism is a religious system that believes in multiple gods and is based on “ancient beliefs and practices associated with the geographic area of Scandinavia.” Norse Pagans currently have the option to have the Hammer of Thor emblem placed on their Veteran’s Administration-issued headstones and markers.

Nevada Guard officials said two other members are pursuing waivers to wear a beard in keeping with their Pagan faith. Their requests are under review.