Visitors to the Beaumont Medical Center will have a chance to honor some local soliders with a photo display, which features a different soldier and is changed monthly, located in the building’s lobby.
Displaying the photos is the idea of Michelle Schmalz, who works for Winfire Management, the company that manages the Beaumont Medical Center.
‘It’s a vision I had that placed in my heart,? Schmalz said.
Schmalz began to display the photos just over six weeks ago as a way to give recognition to the troops.
‘I’m doing this for the soldiers, in honor of them,? she said.
Schmalz will continue to show the photos as long as the troops are fighting in Iraq. She currently has photos scheduled through April 2008.
Under each photo, when it is displayed, is a note which reads ‘in honor of every freedom fighter and fallen hero.? Below that is a quote from Martina McBride, stating, ‘God bless the one who stands by the one on the battle line.?
While Schmalz receives photos of soldiers from across Michigan, she said she will be displaying local soldiers first.
Schmalz receives help finding the soldiers from Louise Downs, founder of Desert Angels, a group who send care packages to the troops.
To display the photos, Schmalz designed a frame at JoAnn Fabrics. Ted and Bonnie Dickens, of One Hour Photos in Oxford, donate the enlargement of the photos.
Each time the photo is changed, Schmalz hosts a small unveiling ceremony, inviting the family of the soldier whose photo is going up on display.
Before the unveilings, Schmalz speaks with the families, trying to get to know more about their son or daughter. She found out that one of the soldiers loves Starbucks coffee, so she has sent some packages of the coffee to him in Iraq.
According to Schmalz, the families have been very appreciative of her project. She said that she did this project to thank the troops, and she is receiving thanks for bringing awareness to what is going on.
Anyone who wishes to contact Schmalz about adding a soldier to the display can reach her at Winfire Management at (248)232-0082 or e-mail her at michelle@winfire.net.