Airman's Attic re-opens

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  After a two-month hiatus, the Whiteman Airman's Attic reopened Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Brig. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, 509th Bomb Wing commander, ensuring Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen in need have a quality place to get necessary living and working items.

The attic was closed due to the suspicion of mold, which was later was cleared. Volunteers needed to run the attic had families of their own to take care of over the summer, which also delayed the reopening process, said Meladee Bay, Airman & Family Readiness chief.

The 509th Civil Engineer Squadron removed any items that could have contained mold, repainted and laid in new carpet. Donated uniforms were taken to the dry cleaners to remove any chance of contamination.

Cosmetic changes weren't the only change to come with the re-opening. Whiteman's top three also took charge of a board to begin overseeing the direction of the Airmen's Attic.

"So far we (the board) have curtailed the large furniture items, such as couches and televisions, because no one seems to need them," said Senior Master Sgt. Todd Sparks, Airman's Attic board member. "It's more about the uniforms, clothing items, baby clothes and other small items that Airmen need.

"If anyone has items that they would like to donate to families, they can give those items to the Airman's Attic," Sergeant Sparks added. "We send items we can't store and extra clothing received to other organizations like Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the Salvation Army in Warrensburg."

"We are getting a new shed to store the items being dropped off, and directional signs will soon be posted to lead those donating to the drop-off spot," Sergeant Sparks added.

There has been a limit set to specific items being taken from the attic due to quantity.

"Since we had to clean out the attic, we're starting fresh and each family can fill up one sack," he said. "We're here to help out as much as we can, but we also don't want to run out of clothes."

The Airmen's attic is here to help all Airmen. The rules stipulate those who can use the Airman's Attic have to be between the ranks of airman basic to staff sergeant, but if someone is in need, the attic is here for them.

Those interested in donating can leave items at the drop-off spot located behind the attic. To get to the Airman's Attic, follow Spirit Avenue to the first stop light and take a right on Vandenburg Avenue. The first left off Vandenburg is a road between the back of the base-exchange and the left-side of community center, turn onto it. The drop-off is at the end of the street.

The Airman's Attic is open Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call Mrs. Bay at (660) 687-6533.