Ian Michael returned from his service in the Marine Corps in 2003. Life after service was difficult at first. The 34-year-old veteran experienced post-traumatic stress disorder periodically ever since the end of his service, but Michael recently discovered a path to recovery. In January, when the veteran's PTSD was at its worst, Michael found an online article about the positive psychological effects of a hug. He made the decision to travel across the country with nothing but his dog and a "Free Hugs" sign.
Along his journey, he ran into a former service member friend and together the two started the Human Hug Project. Michael, his friend Gino Greganti and Greganti's wife visit different VA centers across the country and offer hugs to the veterans. The Human Hug Project has visited 15 VA centers so far, but their goal is to travel to at least 150 more. Michael told People magazine that hugs eliminate the feeling of isolation veterans often experience when they return from combat. He hopes the Human Hug Project will help others avoid the period of extended loneliness he went through after service.