Red Cross Welcomes Home Local Troops

On April 25 the American Red Cross of Northwest Michigan, in Traverse City, celebrated the return of a unit of local troops from Iraq. A group of service members and their families, in total 60 people, will spent a weekend full of food, fun, and prizes at the Great Wolf Lodge.

After receiving a small grant to aid in “the Road to Reintegration”, a plan designed to help reintegrate returning troops, the Red Cross is offering some special events in appreciation for the sacrifice and hard work of our service members. “We wanted to do something for them that wouldn’t cost them anything, something different, that they might not be able to do otherwise.” said Coyla Kehl, the local chapter’s Service to the Armed Forces, co-coordinator.

Many returning service members are coming home to a changed world, where work is hard to find and the future is not what had been expected. The Red Cross wanted to be able to giving them a small break from the shocking reality of our current tough times and a weekend getaway is a real treat and a nice way to say thank you!

The original plans started as a weekend day pass at the popular Great Wolf water park, but grew into so much more. When Rex O'Connor, from the Great Wolf Lodge was contacted to arrange for the event, he said "We can do more, let’s make this a weekend of celebration for these service members and their families! They have sacrificed so much.”

Mr. O’Connor then called the New Fox Motors in Traverse City and explained what the Red Cross wanted to do for our troops returning home. Mr. John Cueter, of Fox Grand Traverse, jumped at the chance to help, offering to host a celebration dinner and breakfast for the event. “Fox wants an unforgettable time for these families!” he said.

“This is the kind of support that The Red Cross needs from our local community” said Mrs. Kehl, “we couldn’t do it without their help. We are so fortunate to have such great supporters throughout our region.”

As an added bonus, the local chapter will also be offering scholarships for service members and their families to attend Red Cross training, at the Traverse City office, free of charge! Free classes range from CPR & First Aid to Babysitting and Pet First Aid.

If you would like more information about upcoming Service to the Armed Forces events or are interested in learning more about the Red Cross and the services offered, visit or call the chapter at 231-947-7268.

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The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on voluntary contributions of time, blood and money to perform its humanitarian mission.