Lady gives hugs to soldiers arriving, leaving Ft. Hood

UNDATED (WHDH) -- Sometimes all you need is a big hug and beloved icon known as "The Hug Lady" has given thousands of soldiers leaving and returning to Fort Hood just that!

It had been nearly a year since the 160 soldiers arriving were last in her arms.

The Hug Lady has been there for nearly all flights in and out of Fort Hood since 2003 - for an estimated 530 thousand hugs!

"Hugs are good for you. You give somebody a hug, and they smile, and it lifts their spirits,” said Elizabeth Laird, The Hug Lady.

"We're here to help one another, and if this is my way to help somebody, that's why I do it,” said Laird.

The 81-year-old known as the Hug Lady has been giving soldiers their hugs for nearly a decade - and the troops are glad she does.