Airman’s Attic: Quality items at no cost

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Travis Beihl
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs

On the corner of Meadows Drive and 1st Street, next to the Keesler Thrift Shop, sits a store some might not even know exists, called the Keesler Airman’s Attic.

Inside are hundreds of items, ranging from baby items and furniture to household goods and uniforms, which Airmen ranked E-6 and below can snag for no cost.

“We receive really good donations for the Airmen or dependents who need them,” said Tiffany Satterwhite, 335th Training Squadron instructor and Keesler Airman’s Attic executive council president. “Basically if you have it at your house, we have it here.”

Senior Airman Quontalia Shephard, 81st Surgical Operations Squadron medical technician, visits often and finds the many items inside are useful for transitioning Airmen.

“I love the Airman’s Attic and find it to be very helpful, especially if you are transitioning from the dorms and into an apartment,” said Shephard. “They have good quality donations from people changing bases or downsizing and all of it being at no cost helps the pocket-book too.”

All dependents and military members are welcome and encouraged to check out the store and see what it has to offer.

Donations can be made to the donation box located behind the store seven days a week, but if unloading assistance is needed, regular operating hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and non-training Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Though many of their donations have helped transitioning Airmen, the Airman’s Attic also helps fellow Airmen if they are affected by an unforeseen circumstance.

“We have helped an Airman who got robbed and lost everything and a chief master sergeant who lost all of his belonging in a fire,” said Satterwhite.  “Through friendly contributions, we helped them by donating clothes and furniture to get back on their feet.”

Additionally, Satterwhite mentioned they are in need of volunteers to help organize, maintain and assist with running the store.

“We do have three dedicated volunteers and we really appreciate the time they put into the store,” said Satterwhite. “Ideally, we would like to see a total of eight or nine steady volunteers which would help the everyday tasks needed to keep the store running.”

With volunteers being in high demand at the Airman’s Attic, Satterwhite encourages anyone who has base access to come out and help the Keesler community.

“Don’t be afraid to volunteer,” said Satterwhite. “To help the volunteers who have children, they can receive up to 18 hours of free child care through a family child care provider and your time assists Airmen all throughout the base.”

The Airman’s Attic is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays, and non-training Fridays. Hours of operation can potentially increase with additional help from volunteers. For questions concerning the Airman’s Attic, or more information on how to volunteer, contact Master Sgt. Tiffany Satterwhite at 377-2926 or Staff Sgt. Jose Lurita-Sanchez at 376-3832.

For information on how volunteers can receive up to 18 hours of free child care, contact Ernesto Alvendia, 81st Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist, at 377-5346.