Liberty Wing's hidden gem

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Tucked away within the Liberty Wing, sits a treasure trove of goods put on display for Airmen and their families, and the only price paid is a smile to the volunteers and manager of the Airman’s Attic.

Wendy Fulkerson, the Airman’s Attic manager, took the reins a year ago and has led the organization to its current success.

“I may be running the Airman’s Attic, but I’m not alone,” Fulkerson said. “I have all of these volunteers helping. We’re always looking for more, but after months of work we have the right crew of people and that makes a huge difference.”

The Airman’s Attic servers more than 500 Airmen each month and has helped several thousand this year.

“I want to help out the young families, because I was there once and places like this really make a difference,” Fulkerson said. “The atmosphere here makes me happy, and seeing the other volunteers, both Airmen and spouses, come out and support this is amazing.”

Piles of donations are sorted through almost daily, and the task of keeping the facility in tip-top shape can be overwhelming. With around eight volunteers regularly providing support, Fulkerson expressed a sense of fulfillment in sharing this passion with others.

“Wendy goes out of her way constantly to make all of this happen,” said Leah Gasparetto, Airman’s Attic volunteer. “It’s a fun environment to volunteer in, and none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for her. The smiles we see and the happiness we bring to the community comes from us volunteering, people donating and her keeping this place running.”

From uniforms and clothes to home appliances and toys, a wide variety can be found at the Airman’s Attic.

“When someone comes in with excitement, I get a good feeling,” Fulkerson said. “Moments like those feel good and make all the craziness worth it. Especially when they go to pay, and we tell them everything’s free.”

The Airman’s Attic is open Tuesdays and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.