Airmen's Attic: Valuable resource to Liberty families

  • Published
  • By Jill Fuson
  • 48 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Looking for a good deal on clothes or a chair for a dorm room? There is a great one stop shop to help satisfy all your shopping needs at the RAF Lakenheath' Airmen's Attic.

"Many of these Airmen do not realize a quick trip to the Attic could easily help them furnish their room turning their living space into more than just a place to sleep," said Master Sgt. Rafael Chacon, 48th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant.

Yet without the help of dedicated volunteers and donations, this valuable resource would not be available for these young Airmen and their families, added Sergeant Chacon.

Friends of Ashley Brittain, spouse of Airman 1st Class David Brittain, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron are surprised when she tells them many items in their home were free from the Airmen's Attic. Ms. Brittain said she is one of the best advertisers for the Airmen's Attic because she tells everyone about it.

"Many people are skittish about coming to the Airmen's Attic and getting something for free," said Elizabeth Supola, spouse of Airman 1st Class Jacob Supola, 48th AMXS, "But once they see what I've found there, they are ready to go and shop."

Senior Airman Jeremy Blackwell, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron shops the Airmen's Attic periodically and finds good items. On a recent trip to the attic he found several ribbons he could use on his uniform. There is a large stock of uniforms and accessories for military members, with some with original price tags still on them.

Jenny Dunlap, volunteer coordinator of the Airmen's Attic said they have recently renovated the facility with a fresh coat of paint and reorganized the merchandise. Mrs. Dunlap, spouse of Tech. Sgt. Patrick Dunlap of 48th Munitions Squadron became coordinator in Jan. and took steps to make Airmen's Attic a pleasurable shopping experience.

Jeremy Ferguson, and his son Zachary, age 3, noticed the change in the facility immediately upon entering and said, "This place looks great. It looks bigger and cleaner. It's amazing how different this place looks."

Airmen's Attic is open to ranks E-5 and below, Monday through Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

"Volunteers are desperately needed to help us keep up the new look. We depend on volunteers who are willing to sort and stock donated items as well as assist customers," said Mrs. Dunlap.

The Airmen's Attic accepts donations of all kinds except broken or dirty items, car seats or baby monitors. Donators are encouraged to use the green donation bin 24-hours-a-day. Items should be placed in plastic bags to protect them and large items should be donated during the day when volunteers are available to prevent damage from inclement weather.

"The Airmen's Attic has been there to assist families during emergencies such as fires; PSC moves where things go wrong and luggage gets lost; and the young family that is just struggling to make ends meet," said Sergeant Chacon.

In addition to assisting Liberty families, the Airmen's Attic also assist the local British community through recycling four to five tons of textiles per month.

The organization is located at building 651 Windsor Circle, behind the Bowling Center. For more information about the Airmen's Attic, call 226-2140.