Photo By Sgt. Angel Turner | Maj. Gen. Michael Bills (left), commanding general, 1st Cavalry Division, presents the...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas — “I’m very proud of the 1st Cavalry Division for doing that,” said the Commanding General of III Corps and Fort Hood Lt. Gen. Sean Macfarland. “She’s a wonderful lady.”
She is Elizabeth Laird, better known as the “Hug Lady,” who was presented with the Yellow Rose of Texas Award on behalf of the 1st Cavalry Division Oct. 17 at Cooper Field.
Laird started hugging Fort Hood Soldiers in 2003 while volunteering with the Salvation Army.
Now, more than 10 years later, her signature gesture is known among deploying and redeploying Soldiers leaving Robert Gray Army Airfield.
MacFarland said the recognition is long overdue.
“What an honor,” said the Commanding General of the 1st Cavalry Division Maj. Gen. Michael Bills. “I’ve been hugged by her so many times in the last 10 years for deployments.”
Bills and Command Sgt. Major Andrew Barteky presented the award following the division’s colors uncasing ceremony.
The claps of Soldiers, families and the local community echoed on Cooper Field as Laird received her award.
“She’s just a special, special lady — one that just loves Soldiers and families,” Bills said. “It’s good that we could honor her today.”
Laird accepted the honor, but said she felt that she was not the one who deserved it.
“The Soldiers deserve the recognition,” she said. “They’re the ones keeping us safe.”
Laird said she’s just a little pawn who represents other civilians. “I care, and I take the time to tell them [Soldiers] I care,” she said.
The Yellow Rose of Texas Award is given only through the Office of the Governor to recognize women for their significant contributions to their communities and to Texas in the preservation of Texas history, the accomplishments of the present, and the building of the future.
| Date Taken: | 10.17.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.20.2014 15:30 |
| Story ID: | 145540 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 16,021 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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