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Traveling soldiers, sailors get a place to relax

David Pope is an MP in the U.S. Navy
Sarah Hulett
/
Michigan Radio
David Pope relaxes in the holiday lounge before his flight to Okinawa.

A special lounge at Detroit Metro Airport is open for members of the military and their families traveling over the holidays.

David Pope checked into the lounge before his return flight to Okinawa, where he serves in the Navy. He says it’s nice to have a quiet spot away from other travelers to start the long trip:

"It takes away from the stress I have to deal with as far as getting back on time, saying goodbye to the family, making sure everything is together, my paperwork. And I never traveled on the holiday so it makes it a little bit easier for me to sit back and relax."

The lounge includes sofas, books and magazines, and laptops with Internet access. There's also a quiet room, with recliners and couches. It's coordinated by volunteers from Delta Airlines, and staffed by community volunteers, and will be open through January 7.

Sarah Hulett is Michigan Public's Director of Amplify & Longform, helping reporters to do their best work.