Airmen in the Attic

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Regina Agoha
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  For some first-term Airmen, it can be quite difficult and a bit scary, leaving home and starting a completely new life. Trying to survive on an airman's income is not always easy, especially if that Airman has dependents. The Airman's Attic is a place located on most, if not all, Air Force bases, where an Airman and his dependents are welcome to shop for free.

Here at Little Rock Air Force Base, the Airman's Attic supports and provides assistance to eligible enlisted members, E-6 and below, at no cost, said Jamie Still, Airman's Attic manager. People from other branches of service currently stationed at Little Rock AFB on active duty orders are welcomed as well.

"The Airman's Attic continually helps Airmen who are establishing their first homes and bases," said Still. "It's also there to provide household assistance through various transition periods of their career, from permanent change of station moves, deployments, loss of spouse income and new additions to their families. Our goal is to ensure that all Little Rock Air Force Base Airmen and their families feel welcomed and supported."

At the Airman's Attic, one can find a variety of items all donated from the base, veteran and civilian communities.

"The following categories we receive donations for, include but are not limited to: furniture, (small and large couches, bed frames, mattress, tables), clothing for the entire family, military uniforms complete with hats, boots, jackets, PT gear, household items, (vacuums, fans, cleaning supplies) home decor, (wall art, vase, candles), outdoor items, pet items, kitchen items, (microwaves, blenders, toaster, plates) health and beauty products, electronics and books," said Still.

The food pantry is undergoing changes on the amount of food a family can take per week. Right now, the limit is 10 items, but Still and the first sergeant council will be working together to make the food pantry more convenient for its users.

Still expressed a huge "thank you" to all who volunteer their time and donate their items to the Airman's Attic.

"This past December, we held our first ever 'Christmas in the Attic.' I, along with some volunteers, Master Sgt. Kizzia, Master Sgt. Adam Sinclair, Master Sgt. Michelle Crouse and Master Sgt. Jason Crosse, pulled this event together on very short notice thanks to a generous donation of new toys. We had an amazing event filled with games, treats and smiling faces from the more than 100 children receiving their gifts from Santa. Events like this, as well as our daily operations would simply not be possible without our dedicated volunteers and our generous donators. Thank you all for your ongoing efforts and support," she said.

Hours for the Airman's Attic are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11a.m. - 1p.m. Volunteers are always welcome to stop by the building and sign up on the spot, or contact Still at the Little Rock AFB Airman's Attic Facebook page and/or by phone at 501-580-8134.