Warren Airman's Attic back by popular demandold

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Kevin Weaver
  • 1st Lt Kevin Weaver
F.E. WARREN AFB, Wyo. --  Wisdom teaches that if you give you shall receive. This bit of truth can be seen on the faces of every volunteer at the Airman's Attic.

Each weekend young men and women take a few hours out of their morning to spend time giving to others. The Airman's Attic, a great resource that was closed for a short time, is reopened and being managed by the 37th Helicopter Squadron. What is the Airman's Attic? It is like a small retail store, except you won't find any price tags no matter how hard you look. Any E-4 or below can shop, and anything they find they can walk out with that day - and it's all free. Their entire stock is donations. You can find anything from couches and clothes to books and silverware.

The Airman's Attic is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon for donations. The doors will only open for customers on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Since its opening weekend July 8,, the Airman's Attic has already been a success. Volunteers recorded more than 30 visitors in 4 hours and more than 150 items given away, and since word is just getting out, they expect future weekends to be even bigger.

Donations were also plentiful. The Airman's Attic would not be the success it is without the donations from Warren's families and friends.

"It's a real lifesaver," said one shopper in reference to the value of the Airman's Attic, while looking through children's clothes with her four children in hand.

The Airman's Attic is ultimately overseen by family services, which was forced to close the Airman's Attic in June due to administrative reasons.

Fortunately for the Airman's Attic and Warren's Airmen, there are many airmen who refuse to let a good thing die so easily.

The 37 HS, under the leadership of Maj. Darren Easton and Master Sgt. Mark Nowotny, caught wind of the unfortunate news and, not wanting to see such a great resource close, stepped in. In June they took the reins and got off to a running start. June 24 was the first weekend of action.

With a crowd of volunteers, heaps of enthusiasm, and an equal amount of cleaning supplies they set to work. By the end of the morning the Airman's Attic resembled its old self again. The work isn't over though. Future plans include adding holiday theme rooms, improving the grounds around the Airman's Attic, and increasing the number of days they are open for customers.

With a little dedication, some hard work and support from the Warren community, the Airman's Attic is expected to be a success. For more information, call the Airman's Attic at 773-4106.