Honoring the Fallen, Supporting the Living

By Tom Lang

When Michiganders sign up to serve in the military, everyone’s minds are on each and every service-person retuning home safely. The worst news is when an active-duty service member is killed in the line of duty.

As Veteran’s Day is upon us, it’s an appropriate time to thank all Veterans far and wide, but particularly those families which lost a loved one.

At the Michigan Freedom Center, based at Detroit Metro Airport, volunteers and part time staff do their best to honor all Veterans as the organization provides comfortable travel services in its military lounge to ease travel for Veterans still with us, and has a special Care Team for 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, drinks and solemn respect for their sacrifice on behalf of our freedom.”

When a Veteran visits the MI Freedom Center at either North Terminal or McNamara (Founded 9 years ago today), they get the chance to unwind in a comfortable environment in the airport, as good or better than first-class. It’s a small way supporters can 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.

“The Freedom Center gives us that moment of decompression…because you can come home a wreck,” said Joe Munoz, a combat Veteran. “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.”

Art Auction to Raise Money for the Freedom Center:

During the last few years of his life, Howard “Howitzer” Ambinder devoted his time remaining on earth to serving other Military Veterans like himself, most of that energy going into supporting the Michigan Freedom Center.

Howard spent countless hours, days and weeks from 2016 until his death in 2018 attending art fairs and other events where artists were selling their wares. His efforts resulted in collecting over 150 items MADE BY VETERANS – of which a portion of those art pieces are now offered in an online auction.

Please help honor Howard and honor the active military and veteran ranks helped by the Freedom Center – and in the process possibly get a holiday gift for the veteran in your life – or simply a piece of art to enjoy in your own home for years to come.

Details, pictures and the auction link are found at: www.mifreedomcenter.org.