[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E543-E544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ELIZABETH LAIRD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2016

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life 
of Elizabeth Laird, fondly known as Fort Hood's beloved ``Hug Lady.'' 
While she became an angel late last year, the impact she had on our 
soldiers will live on.
  It all began in 2003, when Elizabeth volunteered with the Salvation 
Army to shake the hands of deploying soldiers. One day, instead of a 
handshake, Elizabeth received a hug from a soldier. From that moment 
on, her handshakes became hugs, and the ``Fort Hood Hug Lady'' was 
born. Over the next thirteen years, she would go on to hug over 500,000 
servicemen and women as they deployed from and returned to Fort Hood.
  Without fail, Elizabeth would be there upon the soldiers' deployments 
and later for their homecomings, often waiting at the airport in the 
middle of the night for their arrival. Elizabeth became a beloved 
figure to these American soldiers as they shipped out for deployment. 
Her simple gesture of a hug provided them with comfort and a powerful 
reminder of what they are fighting for.
  She described hugging as something the Lord guided her to do. Along 
with her hugs, Elizabeth handed out cards etched with the stirring 
words from Psalm 91: ``Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High 
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty . . . you will not fear the 
terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.'' How reassuring 
these sentiments must have been to our brave warriors venturing forth 
to defend freedom. All who've been blessed by Elizabeth's presence know 
that these words weren't a meaningless expression but a deep and 
lasting creed that was the guiding force of her life.
  When she became bedridden due to breast cancer, many of the soldiers 
came to visit her in the hospital to return the gesture and show their 
appreciation. Sadly, Elizabeth Laird passed away on Christmas Eve of 
last year,

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leaving behind both a loving family and a legion of admirers.
  Some people go through life wondering if they made a difference. 
Elizabeth Laird, the Fort Hood Hug Lady, didn't have that problem. Her 
kindness and commitment to being of service to others touched thousands 
and reminds us how the simplest of gestures can have the largest of 
impacts.

                          ____________________