Kevin was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when he returned to civilian life.
“Once you go to some of these places and see some of the things I saw, it changes you. It changes you forever. You’ll never be the same person you were before you went there,” he declared. In an interview with WGN News.
The good news is that Kevin doesn’t let his condition slow him down. The truth is that it derives its strength and purpose from it. He is the founder of The Unconditional Hug Foundation, a charity that aims to “promote meaningful personal interactions between people” through good old-fashioned hugs, according to their Facebook page.
As part of his work with The Unconditional Hug, Kevin stands on street corners holding a sign that says “Free Hugs.” When people express their interest and approval, he wraps them in a warm embrace.
It’s not as simple as it seems. Temperatures in Chicago can drop below freezing during the winter months, and many city residents are too busy or too cautious to stop for a stranger on the street.
But Kevin persists, and when he succeeds, the results can be encouraging. One day, a local news channel followed his efforts. Over the course of an hour, he kissed 25 to 30 people of all ages, races, genders and sizes.
Many people left with a smile on their faces even if they weren’t in the best mood before the hug. Others cried, but their tears were healing.
“This time of year is very difficult,” one woman said, wiping her tears. She said the hugs helped her a lot. As for Kevin, he plans to continue his work with his charity.
“It’s emotional,” he said simply in the WGN News video
