Honoring Fallen Soldiers, Supporting the Living Each Day

By Tom Lang

When Michiganders sign up to serve in the military and are ready to deploy, everyone’s minds are on the hope that each serviceperson will return home safely. The worst news is when an active-duty service member is killed in the line of duty, as we have experienced in this country too often.

As Veteran’s Day is celebrated, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on and sincerely thank all Veterans far and wide for their service, and those Michigan families which lost a loved one.

At the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center, known at Detroit Metro Airport as the Michigan Freedom Center, volunteers and part time staff do their best on a daily basis to honor all Veterans as the organization provides comfortable travel services at its two military lounges at the airport to ease the journey for active-duty military and all the Veterans still with us. The Center also has a special Care Team to comfort the families of lost loved ones.

“One very special service provided by the MI Freedom Centers is the Care Team,” said volunteer Kathy Galuszka. “They care for families and friends of fallen heroes arriving at Detroit Metro Airport. The fallen soldier’s family and friends are supported with a military honor guard. The Care Team stands by to offer tissues, snacks, beverages – but mostly solemn respect for their sacrifice on behalf of our freedom.”

When a current Veteran visits the MI Freedom Center at either North Terminal or the McNamara Terminal (which was founded 10 years ago this week), they get the chance to unwind in a comfortable environment in the airport that’s as good or better than first-class. It’s a small way public supporters can show respect and say thank you to all Veterans. Through the financial support of the general public, the Freedom Center volunteers can be your face and hands at giving service to the guests. Almost 800,000 military guests have been served the first 10 years.

“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.”

Galuszka said a favorite memory of her volunteer service at the Freedom Center was… “the Marine recruit on his way to Parris Island, South Carolina who was just one week past his 18th birthday. We talked for a long time when I eventually learned that he had never been on an airplane before. I helped him find his gate for the flight and made sure that he had snacks and water for the flight to Savannah and the bus ride to Parris Island.”

Back on Track Campaign for the Freedom Center:

Like many non-profit groups, the Covid-19 pandemic decimated financial support for the Michigan Freedom Center. In 2020, this organization lost 47 percent of its funding compared to pre-pandemic levels. Keeping the doors open was literally a huge struggle, but now is the time to get back on financially stable footing. The general public can help by donating to the Back on Track Challenge Campaign – and what a perfect time to do so at the Michigan Freedom Center’s 10th Anniversary this Veteran’s Day. The Center was dedicated on Nov. 11, 2011 at 11:11 a.m. in solemn remembrance of such a revered day for Veterans all across the country.

More background information on the Michigan Freedom Center can be found at: www.mifreedomcenter.org. Donations can be made online, or mailed to: Michigan Freedom Center, c/o DC3S Defense Corridor, 7205 Sterling Ponds Ct., Sterling Hgts., MI 48312.