Veterans Day 2022: Honoring the Fallen, Supporting the Living Each Day

By Tom Lang

With Veterans Day upon us, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on and sincerely thank all military Veterans far and wide, but particularly those Michigan families which lost a loved one in wartime.

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 on a daily basis to honor all Veterans as the organization provides comfortable travel services in its military lounge to ease travel challenges for active-duty military and 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 … solemn respect for their sacrifice on behalf of our freedom.”

When a Veteran visits the MI Freedom Center at either Evans (North) Terminal or the McNamara Terminal (which was founded 11 years ago this week), they get the chance to unwind in a comfortable environment in the airport. It’s a small way 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 providing service to the guests.

“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.”

According to the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency in Lansing, there are 554,000 Veterans living in Michigan. We all owe a debt of gratitude for their individual and corporate service.

To celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Michigan Freedom Center, the Board and small staff are hosting a celebration for all our volunteers. 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.

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 Corridor, 7205 Sterling Ponds Ct., Sterling Hgts., MI 48312.