Fort Hood’s Hug Lady Gets an Award and Makes National News

The First Cav Division is back from  Afghanistan, uncasing their colors last week.  During the uncasing ceremony a woman who could be called a Fort Hood institution was recognized.

82 year old Elizabeth Laird, was given the Yellow Rose of Texas Award .

Laird is the Fort Hood “Hug Lady”, attending nearly every deployment sendoff at the airport, hugging the soldiers before they get on the plane and hugging once again when they get back. She has been hugging since 2003. Laird made national news Sunday night!

The Yellow Rose Award comes from the Governor's office and  recognizes outstanding Texas women for their community service.

It sounds like Laird will continue to hug soldiers for as long as she can, she told the Killeen Daily Herald "I don’t want anybody to go un-hugged.”