JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Airman's Attic provides Joint Base Andrews enlisted personnel the capability to turn a house into a home thanks to the support of the First Sergeant's Council, the base community and a team of dedicated volunteers.
"The Airman's Attic provides a valuable service to the junior enlisted community, including E-1 through E-5, on Joint Base Andrews," said Master Sgt. Hugh A. McGovern Jr., 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant and First Sergeant's Council Airman's Attic liaison advisor.
"We have lots of clothing items for adults and children of all ages," said Sergeant McGovern. "We do occasionally get furniture, microwaves and cooking utensils. We also get strollers and children's toys, televisions and other electronic items. Everything that we have is free to eligible Airmen and their families." A small food pantry located in the Airman's Attic reception area is also available with free items for eligible Joint Base Andrews members.
Krista Leedy, Airman's Attic manager and wife of Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Leedy, 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron executive driving service vehicle operations, said a good variety of household items are available, including bedroom furniture, sofas, pots and pans, clothing for the entire family and the occasional washer and dryer.
Since August, the Airman's Attic has donated roughly $15,000 worth of household items to Team Andrews junior enlisted community.
The items available at the Airman's Attic are donated by the Joint Base Andrews community, including military members and retirees. Unused items are bagged and donated to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Sergeant McGovern said there are a few ground rules to using the Airman's Attic. All patrons must present an identification card to enter, and military dependents must present an ID card with their sponsor's rank.
Further, items obtained from the Airman's Attic cannot later be sold. "We ask that you either give the item away or donate the item back to the Airman's Attic," Ms. Leedy said.
The Airmen's Attic does not accept certain items, including antiquated, large computer monitors, undergarments and stained, torn or broken items. Tapes, including VHS and cassettes, and televisions that are not digitally compatible are also not accepted. Summer items including sandals, clothing and swimming pool inflatable toys are also not accepted.
Donated mattresses and box springs must be approved by Ms. Leedy. Military clothing can be donated at the Thrift Store behind the Airman's Attic.
"One misconception I'd like to clear up is that the Airman's Attic is for all eligible enlisted personnel from all branches, not just the Air Force," Sergeant McGovern said.
Sergeant McGovern said that the Airman's Attic is also in dire need of volunteers who can coordinate with Ms. Leedy to work 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Friday. Volunteers sort donations, restock the shelves and clean the Airman's Attic area, among other tasks.
"We are in need of regular volunteers to keep the donations sorted through and put out on the floor for the Airmen and their families," Ms. Leedy explained. "We need an average of five volunteers for each day. Plus, the Airmen's Attic provides a great opportunity for anyone looking for managerial experience. Even one hour a month would make a world of difference."
Along with the benefit of helping to make a difference in the Andrews' community, an added advantage for volunteers is free childcare.
The Airman's Attic is located at 1676 Brookley Ave., and is open for operation noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
For more information, contact Ms. Leedy at 301-981-9665 or via email andrewsairmansattic@gmail.com.