News Search

Airmen’s Attic hosts grand re-opening

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malcolm Mayfield
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The 90th Missile Wing's Air Force Sergeants Association chapter held the grand re-opening of the Airman's Attic On F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Oct. 3, 2015.

The facility was closed for renovations several months ago and, with the help of volunteers, was reorganized and stocked with fresh goods for Airmen, retirees and their families.

"The grand opening was fantastic, we had a big turnout," said Beverly Patrick, Airmen's Attic lead volunteer. "I think everyone is really surprised by all he good stuff we have on the shelves. We went through and got rid of all the old things that have been here for years."
The Airmen's Attic is stocked by donated items from the community, and all items are free.

"Our focus is on the Airmen that need these items," she said. "I think the Airmen need to learn that this is for them. People donate this stuff to help them."

The attic is open every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and every first and third Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The attic focuses greatly on providing to the Airmen first. Airmen, with the rank of technical sergeant and below, are given an early bird deal on Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m.

"In order for us to be able to provide for more Airmen we give them access to the items first," said Master Sgt. Christopher Stokes, 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron first sergeant.

Retirees have access to the attic but are limited to the quarterly Retiree Appreciation Days. The next appreciation day is Dec. 19, 2015.

"They're still Airmen too, so we still want to allow ourselves to provide for them as well and not just push them to the side because they are retired and they don't wear the uniform anymore," Stokes said. "We still want to be able to provide for them, but we want to help our younger Airmen first."

The Airmen's Attic is designed to help people who may be struggling financially or are going through a rough patch in their careers.

"I think the Airmen's attic is important and valuable to a lot of people," Stokes said. "When things get tough, the Airmen's attic is there for the people who are working through those times."

Volunteers help keep the attic running smooth and work with visitors to help them get what they need.

"It's fulfilling to see the families get the free items they may not be able to afford otherwise," said Rhonda Coburn, an Airmen's Attic volunteer. "It's always nice when you see someone fill up their cart."