Homebound for hugs

Parks & Recreation, July, 2004

Most Marines are more than excited to come home to an open pair of welcoming arms ... but what happens if they return to a base with no family and friends nearby? That's where the "Official Huggers" come in.

Alisa Hertzler, Single Marine Program (SMP) Coordinator for Marine Corp Air Station Miramar, Calif., organized a group of volunteers to attend homecomings of soldiers and to offer up their hugs. The idea came to her in May 2003 when six Marines were returning from Iraqi Freedom, and only one soldier had family at the hangar to welcome him home. Hertzler felt sad that no one was there for the others, so she took it upon herself to be the lone welcome wagon.

After that initial homecoming, Hertzler went back to her base, created signs that read "Official Hugger," and since has recruited 20 more who rotate on a regular basis. The group's goal is to give every Marine a hug to thank them for all they've done. They look for lonely Marines who aren't expecting to receive anything, then work their hug magic.

"While we aren't substitutes tot their parents or other family members, we are a smiling face in the crowd, and we are out there to lift their spirits, tell them we are proud of them, and help ease their retrain to the U.S.," says Hertzler.

While some might question if the "Official Huggers" falls under the category of recreation, Hertzler has no doubts that it does. She says that recreation is "refreshment of strength and spirit arm" work," which is exactly what her group provides. They sometimes pass out treats or take photos, but most are just there to volunteer their hogging abilities. Because of the "buggers" all the Marines can look forward to open arms.

Hertzler says, "The greatest reward is when I put my arms around one of the Marines and they squeeze me so tight. Most of them don't know who I am, but it's what I represent that lifts their spirits. Seeing me means they are finally home, they had finished the fight, and they were one step closer to being reunited with loved ones."

To find out more about the Official Huggers, call Alisa Hertzler at (858) 577-6283