Michigan Freedom Center at Detroit Metro provides free food, place to relax for military members and veterans

Veterans and active military personnel can unwind at the Michigan Freedom Centers at Detroit Metro Airport prior to their flights. at addition to offering travelers and their families food and beverages, these centers at both terminals offer a peaceful environment.

(FOX 2) ROMULUS, Mich.The Michigan Freedom Center offers military personnel and their families traveling through Detroit Metro a respite from the stress of airport travel.

The centers, which are housed in the McNamara and Evans terminals, offer veterans and active military personnel a place to unwind, eat, drink, and bond.

On his way to North Carolina to continue his training as a new Marine, Kaleb Buckingham stopped by the Freedom Center. “It’s just so quiet and peaceful in here, and it’s a great way to spend the time before traveling,” he said.

The hospitality lounge, according to Buckingham, is like a tiny residence.

For active service troops, veterans, members of allied forces, and their families, the Freedom Centers offer free cooking space, snacks, and chairs. Gold Star and Blue Star families can also visit the centers.

It all began more than ten years ago, according to Tom Lange of the Michigan Freedom Center, when Delta passengers—primarily pilots—were dissatisfied that DTW lacked a USO-style lounge.

“So, they pooled their resources and got other employees involved, and Delta gave us their former conference room as our first and only hospitality lounge at the time,” said Lange.

A few years later, the Detroit Metro terminal that served the other airlines saw the opening of a Freedom Center.

Nearly a million travelers have visited the Freedom Centers since then, and early next year, they anticipate serving their millionth visitor.

It costs money to prove for the service members—roughly $225,000 annually. Do you want to support the mission of the Freedom Center?

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