In Memory:
On Friday, May 23, American Legion Post 202 members from Detroit joined our staff, volunteers, and Board members in a memorial service at Detroit Metro Airport's McNamara terminal to honor those lost in service to our country.
We began with posting of the colors and placement of a flower wreath, followed by a couple readings about the significance of Memorial Day, sang the National Anthem together, and concluded with the playing of Taps by the American Legion adjunct.
This has been a brief but very impactful ceremony each of the last four years, supported by Delta Air Lines. Many travelers walking by to their next airplane stopped and joined us, making the ceremony that much more impactful. Several of us feel it's the best 15 minutes of the entire year.
Never let us forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Meet Our One Millionth Guest: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Larry McKillop
The first time he ever missed a flight turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Lt. Col. (Ret.) Larry McKillop.
"I was walking through the airport after a missed flight and went into the Freedom Center," said McKillop, from Brighton, Mich. "Then after talking to Mark (Ernst) I learned I was the One Millionth visitor.
"It was the day after the Super Bowl. Like everyone else in the world I didn't want to travel on Sunday. So, I waited until Monday morning and it took an hour to go through security. Everyone in line with me missed their flights. So, I got one for four hours later and decided to go down to the Freedom Center."
McKillop was on his way to Colorado to interview for an aviation consulting job. He retired last year from serving as an inspector for the FAA.
McKillop joined the Air National Guard in Sept. of 1976 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. He went to pilot training in 1979 and from then on described himself as a traditional Guardsman, while working as a civilian full time in his career as a civil service technician, private pilot and instructor.
"I got called up after 9/11, for active duty," his story continued. "I was still in as a part timer and getting ready to retire. I came back from a company trip flying some people to Chicago. As I drove back, I stopped in at the base and asked if they needed any help. There was no civilian flying going on, so they said get 12 hours of sleep, get back here in 12 hours. I did, and two hours after that I was airborne over the streets of Detroit fully armed in an F-16. That was about three days after the initial attack (in New York). So, I gave up my civilian job and spent (two years) out there on active duty."
He retired as a Guardsman in March, 2004.
McKillop grew up in west Michigan near Ludington, then went into the flight program at Western Michigan University, earning a mechanics license. Other civilian jobs in his career included crop dusting, flying charters, general aviation jobs in everything but the commercial airlines. He was also a safety inspector for the FAA for 13 years, then retired from that in early 2024. In that role he would use Detroit Metro Airport 8-9 times a year.
The Michigan Freedom Center, also known as the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center, has been Serving Those Who Serve Us since November of 2011. Located next to gate A43 at McNamara, and near gate D17 in the Evans Terminal, the MI Freedom Center has been a place where volunteer hosts on a daily basis have provided care, comfort and courtesy to traveling military and their families, ranging from active-duty, to Veterans, to NATO Forces, Reservists and our National Guard.
"It's a safe and comfortable place to relax; and usually strike up a conversation with somebody while you visit between flights," McKillop said about the importance of the MI Freedom Center. "I think it's wonderful to have it there and it's a great thing and I try to support it. Many times, I just stop in and say hi and maybe grab a snack and know there's no fees associated with it… and it's there to benefit many people, maybe traveling with their family or caught on a move for the military and they're sitting there because of scheduling. I think it's a great place to have.
"I like to visit places like USOs at other airports, but they are usually out of the way in a corner." At its current location the MI Freedom Center "definitely is one of the most convenient military lounges in any airport."
Thank you to everyone who supports the MI Freedom Center so our military heroes like Larry can find the respite they need as a thank you from all of us.
The Next Million:
The MI Freedom Center's One Million milestone was very important and it shows the military lounge is appreciated by our guests! Please join us in honoring the next million guests who have given so much to our communities, states and nation.
To get ready for our next One Million we need to refurnish and maintain the quality of the MI Freedom Centers we have in each terminal. Anyone can imagine if they had one million guests come through their house it could also be in need of some TLC and updating. The MI Freedom Centers are looking for partner donors to help us replace worn furniture, update our lounge spaces and provide a high quality experience for our guest travelers who have given so much to us with their sacrifices !
DONATE HERE
If anyone is interested in joining our golf outing at Fox Hills, there are only 4-5 foursomes left to fill... so do not delay, for 18 holes of golf, two meals, prizes, raffle, and auction items. It will be one of the most fun days of your summer -- all while helping support the MI Freedom Center mission.
2581 World Gateway Place
Detroit, MI 48242
NEW MAILING ADDRESS
Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center, Inc. | 2581 World Gateway Place | Detroit, MI 48242 US
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
MI Freedom Center Springtime News
