Local Military and Veteran Service Group Needs Assistance

Submitted by Tom Lang

Official commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II are taking place in September – in Hawaii on Sept. 2, and in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 25. These vitally important recognition programs honor veterans and the thousands of fallen soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice more than seven decades ago to preserve our freedoms.

Nowadays on a local level, the Michigan Freedom Center is one of many service groups showing respect and thanks for both active military and still-living veterans, on a daily basis.

The MI Freedom Center needs your help to stay open as Covid-19 challenges continue to drag on and deplete its normal funding sources. The first Center was launched at Detroit Metro Airport on 11-11-11 but might not be open come its 9th anniversary.

The Michigan Freedom Center is where numerous dedicated volunteers (many themselves are veterans or parents of active military) provide the most basic human function of showing respect and giving thanks that the public feels toward our military heroes.

My own daughter is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and has told me how cool the Freedom Center is for her and her shipmates because it is outfitted with a few bunk beds, several recliners, snacks and TVs. It’s a true Godsend for veteran families traveling with restless children.

Whether it's a safe reflection and resting place between flights, a simple cup of coffee or an important listening ear for the new recruit heading off to Boot Camp, the Freedom Centers serve many purposes at both Metro terminals – and at the Military Entrance Processing Stations in Troy and Lansing.

In its most sensitive service, the Care Team handles the caring for and comforting of families of fallen soldiers who return home to Michigan soil for their final resting place.

As you can imagine during this Covid year, the Center has fallen on tough financial times and needs the general public's help as 75% of normal funding has dried up.

Maybe you feel led to buy that cup of coffee or a few treats for our military service members. Please donate any amount you can at this link:

https://michigan-armed-forces-hospitality-center.snwbll.com/giving-portal

“All that matters is caring for others; that’s all that counts.” Comedian Robin Williams