By Tom Lang
Veterans Day is upon us this week, making it an appropriate time to reflect on and sincerely thank all military Veterans far and wide, who gave up their own conveniences in life to protect our freedoms.
At the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center, also known at Detroit Metro Airport as the Michigan Freedom Center, volunteers and part time staff do their best seven days a week to honor all Veterans. The 501 C (3) organization provides comfortable travel services in its military lounge to ease travel challenges for both active-duty military and the Veterans alike.
Find out what's happening in Northvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
When a current Veteran visits the MI Freedom Center at either the Evans (North) Terminal or the McNamara Terminal (which opened 12 years ago this month), they get the chance to unwind in a comfortable environment in the airport. It’s one small way supporters can show respect and say ‘thank you’ to all Veterans. Through financial support of the general public, the Freedom Center volunteers can be your face and hands at providing service to the guests.
As of Oct. 31, the MI Freedom Center has served 900,005 people in the past dozen years.
Find out what's happening in Northvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The Freedom Center gives us that moment of decompression…because you can come home a wreck,” said Joe Munoz, a combat Veteran in Michigan. “You know you’re in a safe place, a quiet place, a respectful place. The volunteers are amazing… they have a sense like they know (what to do) to make our couple of hours at the Freedom Center more relaxing and a benefit to us. That’s what I love about the Freedom Center. We’re so grateful we have the opportunity to have it at the airport.”
More than 100 volunteers cover four-hour shifts at both locations, from early morning (6:00 a.m.) until late into the evening, seven days a week. That includes holidays like Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving and yes, especially on Veterans Day. Without our special volunteers, the Freedom Center would not operate, and these special services would not exist.
Delta Air Lines has been a supporter since the first year and remains heavily involved today. The lounge at the McNamara Terminal was once a Delta Air Lines conference room, which Delta allowed us to transform into a comfortable lounge, where it has served hundreds of thousands for the past 12 years.
More background information on the Michigan Freedom Center can be found at: www.mifreedomcenter.org. Donations can be made online, or mailed to: Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center, DC3S Defense Center, 7205 Sterling Ponds Ct., Sterling Hgts., MI 48312.
