Meritor Sponsors Gala to Raise Funds for Military Airport Lounge

The following information was submitted by Meritor.

The Freedom Center, the newly opened military lounge at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, will benefit from funds raised by a Gala Event this Friday on Armed Forces Day.

In addition, employees at world headquarters in Troy raised an impressive $7,616 to help fund the Freedom Center by charging employees to be able to wear jeans to work. So far in 2012, Troy employees have raised $38,482 for 15 local charities through the Jeans Day events.

Since its official opening on Veterans Day 2011, the Freedom Center has hosted more than 8,000 traveling members of our military, their families and veterans.  The lounge, located at Gate A43 in the center of the McNamara Terminal, offers a relaxing atmosphere to armed forces members, travel assistance and complimentary juice, water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, snacks and traveling amenities.

"At , it is our honor to offer support for our military men and women serving today, and everyday, as they sacrifice for our freedom and safety here at home. We view our nation’s warfighters as heroes. They and their families earn our respect every day," said Tim Burns, vice president and general manager, Defense and Specialty, Industrial.  

Burns is Honorary Chair of the Gala Event. Meritor maintains a 100-year legacy of serving commercial truck, aftermarket and industrial markets including the supply of drivetrain components for U.S. military fleets around the world.

The event will include an elegant strolling dinner catered by Andiamo’s, complimentary bar, entertainment by Johnny Trudell musicians and valet parking.  The Gala will be held at the Defense Corridor Center (DC3S), 7205 Sterling Ponds Court, Sterling Heights, Mich. on Saturday, May 19 from 6-9 p.m.  Tickets are $100 per person and can be ordered via the Freedom Center website or by calling 313-610-5600.

Underwriting support for the Gala is being provided by: The Michigan Chapter, National Defense Industrial Association (Freedom Sponsor); Meritor, Inc. and Robert and Virginia Vallee (Honor Sponsors); The Arsenal of Democracy Chapter, Association of the US Army; Rave Computers; Oshkosh Defense, Inc. and General Kinetics (Service Sponsors).