PTSD Marine Travels Country Hugging Veterans

Former Marine Travels Country Offering Free Hugs to Veterans 
ABC WSIL News
By Matthew Searcy
Apr 30, 2015

MARION -- A former Marine is traveling across the country, offering a different type of healing to veterans who suffer from PTSD.

Hugs have become a part of the daily routine for former Marine Ian Michael.

"Once the initial hug is made it's like the pebble in the water," said Michael. "Everything ripples out."

Michael travels the country, hitting veteran's hospitals like the Marion VA, all with one goal in mind. He wants to share a heartfelt moment with veterans who may suffer from the same illness he does. 

"At the end of the day love is a powerful emotion," explained Michael. "And when you are suffering from PTSD it's a very distant emotion." Michael has suffered from PTSD for years.

"I had to overcome a lot of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual barriers," said Michael.

He says hugging people has become a source of healing, allowing him to step outside his comfort zone and raise awareness about PTSD.
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