May offers time to honor, thank those who serve
National Military Appreciation Month honors sacrifices of U.S. Armed Forces active-duty, guard and reserve members, as well as Veterans
May 28, 2025
May is filled with events and celebrations—graduations, weddings, Mother’s Day, to name a few.
Those celebrations often involve the achievements of dreams, goals and milestones for hundreds of thousands of people across Michigan and the United States. They provide opportunity to reflect and look to the future—as well as time to honor, especially those in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Memorial Day, celebrated this year on Monday, allows us to honor and mourn the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
And in 1999, Congress declared May as National Military Appreciation Month. It honors the sacrifices of U.S. Armed Forces active-duty, guard and reserve members, as well as Veterans.
The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force are the six branches that comprise the U.S. Armed Forces, to which more than 53,000 Michiganders belong.
According to the Military State Policy Source, Michiganders serving their country include:
- 4,688 active-duty service members
- 1,843 active-duty spouses
- 3,684 active-duty children
- 20,378 National Guard and reserve members
- 8,774 National Guard and reserve spouses
- 13,740 National Guard and reserve children
Enbridge supports Veterans
“Almost everyone knows someone—a family member, friend or colleague—who is a Veteran or on active-duty,” said Kirstie Staelens, Enbridge senior community engagement advisor, Great Lakes Region.
“We need to acknowledge their sacrifices, as well as those of their families.”
Since 2021, Enbridge has supported the Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit organization that provides veterans of the Second World War, Korea, Vietnam and other military action the camaraderie and experience of visiting the war memorials in Washington, D.C. The trips are provided free of charge to the Veterans.
With 130 chapters, including the Mid-Michigan and Upper Peninsula chapters, Honor Flight Network has arranged trips for more than 250,000 veterans—with Enbridge a proud and appreciative sponsor.
“We are thankful to those who have served and continue to serve,” said Staelens.
“We feel as if we our doing our part to show them in at least some way appreciation for all that they do and have done to defend our country.”
"Helping to sponsor the honor flights is one of the many ways in which we support our U.S. Armed Forces, as well as our communities."
—Kirstie Staelens, Enbridge senior advisor of community engagement in Michigan
June events planned
The next Michigan Honor Flight is slated for June 17 and 18, according to Jim Swoboda, one of the organization’s directors, volunteers and the official photographer.
“We have expanded to hosting four flights a year,” said Swoboda.
“Each flight has a total of approximately 190 Veterans and volunteers, and we have a list of 1,000 in Michigan waiting to visit the memorials in Washington, D.C.”
Swoboda, who has participated in 60 flights over the past 10 years, treasures the opportunity to honor those who have served.
“To see the emotions of the Veterans and the transformation that can occur is beyond rewarding,” said Swoboda.
“These Veterans have given so much to defend the freedom we have. If these honor flights help them in some way to start to heal, they are so worth it. We extend appreciation to Enbridge and others for their ongoing support.”
Find additional information on how you can help the Honor Flight Network.
