What initially appeared to be a routine traffic check developed into a really moving event.
What would you do if you were stopped and the police officer requested you to exit the vehicle so they could give you a hug?
You would likely be really uncomfortable. However, William Jazwinski changed his mind once he learned the reason behind the officer’s request when he was pulled over.
Jazwinski wrote about his encounter with the officer in a now-deleted Facebook post.
However, Love What Matters also posted about his encounter with the cop.
The narrative cannot be independently verified, but it is nevertheless a heartwarming one.
Jazwinski believed he was being stopped for speeding, according to the post.
However, the officer only stopped him to express his gratitude for his service.
Evidently, his bumper sticker identified him.
The dialogue went like this:
“Me: ‘Good morning officer. Was I speeding?’”
“Officer: ‘Good morning, no not speeding. Just wanted to stop ya and say thank you for your service.’”
“Me: ‘Oooh the bumper sticker, nice. You’re welcome, sir. My pleasure.’”
Jazwinski was then asked his place of employment by the officer. Jazwinski described his 15-month term of duty in Iraq.
Interestingly, the officer’s kid also did. But he didn’t return home.
“Me: ‘I went to Iraq. Did a 15 monther. Out of Ft Benning.’”
“Officer: ‘Well alright. My son went to Iraq. He didn’t make it home.’”
Me: “Man, I’m so sorry to hear that. I just finished a PTSD program.”
Officer: “I see you have a flag in the truck. The one we got for him! Well it’s at the house. Can i ask a question?”
Me: “Sure.”
Officer: “Do you mind stepping out and receiving a hug. You remind me of my son. I pulled you over. I thought you were him. I still don’t believe it most days he’s gone.”
With tears in both our eyes I got out and hugged that man. I’m talking about for a minute or two crying. Down to our knees crying. I needed that.
To all the family and friends of soldiers, fighting or done fighting, God bless you. Your peace and your hearts. It’s so hard without them, I know. This road is a tremendous one. Love to all.”
“I’m very sad to hear that, man. I recently completed a PTSD program.
The National Center for PTSD estimates that between 11 and 20 soldiers who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom out of every 100 suffer PTSD in any given year.
The officer’s son and Jazwinski later discovered they have a great deal more in common.
I see you have a flag in the truck, the officer says. which we obtained for him! It’s at the house, I suppose. I have a question, please.”
The officer then made a really strange and daring request.
He requested a hug.
Do you mind walking outside and getting a hug from the officer? You make me think of my son. I made you stop. I mistook you for him. Most days, I still can’t believe that he’s gone.
The event became emotional for the two of them since Jazwinski readily agreed to the officer’s request.
“I walked out and gave that man a bear hug while we were both crying. I mean crying for one or two minutes. We were sobbing on our knees, said Jazwinski.
Evidently, Jazwinski benefited from that situation just as much as the officer did.
He wrote, “I needed that.”
Jazwinski also gave people who are missing their soldiers a message:
“God bless you to all the family members and friends of military, active or retired. Your hearts and your tranquility. I know, it’s very difficult without them. This path is really challenging. Liebe to allen.”
