Afghanistan Through My Eyes - NMMI

Going to Afghanistan to hug soldiers seemed like a 'great' idea.

I've always had a love affair with soldiers since I visited my brothers at NMMI, New Mexico Military Institute. So much so that I wanted to attend...my father and brothers laughed at me. It was 1962 and girls were not allowed at NMMI, it was a 'boy's club'. This was my first experience with segregation. I did not like it even then as four-years old.

This was my opportunity. This was an adventure.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes

The idea is to go to Afghanistan to hug soldiers.

Is this crazy?

I immediately called a good friend of mine who happens to be a Viet Nam vet. He thought it was a great idea! "Baby, that's a great idea!" He went on to send me a link to embed!
I ran it by my daughter and her husband and they thought it was cool. "That's a cool idea Mom."

I was a little surprised at how they just went along with it, but then again they know me well and know that if they objected it would make me want to do it even more. Saying 'no' to me is like throwing gasoline on a fire.

Mom hugs for soldiers

One day while sitting around and feeling sorry for myself I asked myself what could I do to make a difference. What would I like to do to make a difference specifically.

Recently a friend of my daughter's asked if she could come over and I could give her a Mom hug. She missed her Mom and I was the only Mom she knew around. I myself would like a Mom hug, but my Mom has passed away, but I knew what she meant. There is something very special about Mom hugs. I got an idea.

I decided that I would go to Afghanistan and give soldier's Mom hugs.
This is how it began.