Celebrating Veterans Day: A Mission of Hope, Healing and Hugs

Michael, Jolee and their daughter Sienna founded the HicksStrong organization in response to their devastating loss of their son (Sienna's big brother), Macoy, who struggled with PTSD, a TBI, and toxic leadership, ultimately losing his life to suicide. The organization’s purpose is clear and unwavering — they want to bring comfort and help to other military members who might be facing their own struggles, while honoring the legacy and memory of their son and big brother. Since its founding, HicksStrong has sponsored more than 3,000 therapy sessions, helping over 450 military members. However, the need continues to grow highlighting the critical gap between those needing help and the funds available to help provide it.

“Lack of funds has been our main issue — not the lack of people needing help or finding us, or us being able to help them,” said Jolee. HicksStrong relies on donations to continue its mission, with an impactful slogan: “1,000 raised is a life saved.” The organization is currently launching its Healing Heroes initiative which will allow supporters to start fundraising or engage in other creative fundraising activities like walking challenges or workplace donation matching programs.

There are countless ways to support the powerful initiatives of the HicksStrong organization and even the smallest donations make a difference. For example, as the holiday season approaches, online retailers such as Walmart have a roundup program where anyone can round purchases to the nearest dollar to help provide additional support, when ordering online.

One of HicksStrong most cherished initiatives is the “HicksStrong Hug Mug.” The story of this 20-ounce ceramic mug is both heartfelt and emotional. 

As the Hicks family struggled through profound grief after Macoy’s passing, they were invited to a ceramics paint shop with some ladies from their church. Despite initial hesitation, Jolee decided to attend. There, she painted a sign that bore the word “family.”

“When I painted that sign, I could breathe for a second,” Jolee recalled. “I had a moment of peace when there was none.” This event represented to Jolee a glimmer of solace amidst her overwhelming sorrow. Soon after, painting became a regular activity for the Hicks family and friends, eventually leading to the creation of the “Hug Mug.”

The name “Hug Mug” itself came from a conversation Jolee had with Macoy’s shipmates, who, when asked what every sailor wants or needs, they responded, “a hug.” Each mug serves as a symbol of connection and support, reminding recipients that they are not alone in their struggles and they are loved. 

As the “Hug Mug” painting activities gained momentum, HicksStrong began to organize “paint and save” events. The purpose of these events is to bring people together to remind service members they are loved and appreciated. Supporters sponsor and paint “Hug Mugs” for distribution to military members, veterans and their families. These events have been organized all around the United States. Their purpose is as simple as it is meaningful — to create individually painted mugs, each with its own unique story, to provide comfort to those who may feel overlooked and deliver the warm feeling of an embrace.

In October of 2022, HicksStrong visited the Saint-Gobain® Tape Solutions team in Granville, New York. For an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) event, the teams committed to a “paint and save” event, meeting Michel and Jolee and learning of Macoy’s story for the first time.

The event had such a profound and powerful impact on our Tape Solutions team. It served as a testament to the healing power associated with doing something good for others, highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and served as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be hope.

At this event our team member, Tracy Perfitt, painted a special “Hug Mug” that would become even more than a comforting gift. This hug mug was painted with the state of Maine outlined on the front and “Saint-Gobain” written on the underside of the mug. At the end of the event, it was packed up along with 439 other mugs and set off on a cross-country journey for delivery to veterans and military families.

This mug traveled from upstate New York to California to New Mexico, Kentucky, and back to New York, somehow avoiding being given away at various military bases, American legions and VFWs across the country. In August of 2023, while attending a mental health leadership course in Rhode Island, an unexpected moment occurred. Michael had packed up the Maine mug for the trip, but something inside his heart told him not to bring it to class on base that day. Later that evening, while at a hotel, Jolee and Michael encountered a Navy veteran named Paul who happened to be from Maine. They connected over their shared military ties, and, as the conversation unfolded, it became clear that Paul was the perfect recipient of the Maine Hug Mug, which has been traveling across the country for almost a year.

Not only did the hug mug find its true home, Paul was moved beyond words. As he sat at a table next to Jolee, Michael, and his brothers, passing the mug amongst each other, one of Paul's brothers looked at the bottom of the mug and immediately recognized Saint-Gobain, sharing that his brother in law worked for the company down south.

But the story doesn’t end there. On October 11 of 2024, our Hoosick Falls team also conducted an EHS Day event where, once again, employees participated in the “Hug Mug” event. Tracy Perfitt, the designer of the Maine mug, was present at this event and learned of the powerful impact that her mug made. It was an extraordinary moment of serendipity. It is a beautiful example of how small actions can change lives, create lasting memories and remind us that no one is ever truly alone.

Over 4,000 Hug Mugs have been distributed by the HicksStrong organization, each one carrying a story of connection, healing and hope.

Throughout their travels, Michael and Jolee have learned the importance of sharing their story. “It’s a heavy story to share,” Jolee said, “but we’re willing to do it.” Their commitment to honoring veterans, supporting military members and families and preserving Macoy’s legacy is unwavering.

The Hicks family teaches all of us that hope can be as simple as a hug mug, painted with care, delivered with love.

For those looking to make a difference, Veteran’s Day is an ideal time to get involved in the fight for mental health. By contributing to HicksStrong mission, you can help extend mental health support to service members in need, ensuring they have access to necessary resources for navigating difficult times. Organizations like HicksStrong are here for Veterans long after the uniform is retired. Whether through the gift of a Hug Mug, a small donation, or spreading the word, each act of support contributes to a legacy of compassion and resilience for our military members.

As we honor the brave men and women who have served or continue to serve our country, let’s not forget the power of connection, empathy and the unspoken bonds that tie is all together.