Excellence comes naturally at Airmans' Attic

Published May 20, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Moore
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Last month, one of Keesler's Volunteer Excellence Awards went to Marilyn Reid, an Airmen's Attic volunteer.

"She's the Airmen's Attic mom," said Master Sgt. James Messer, 81st Training Wing staff agencies first sergeant. "If it weren't for her, we wouldn't be where we are today."

Ms. Reid, mother of Master Sgt. Elisabeth Reid, 81st Dental Squadron first sergeant, was the key to Airmen's Attic's recent renovation and procedural overhaul. She volunteers 60 hours per month, allowing the Airmen's Attic to have corresponding hours with the Keesler Thrift Store, where she also volunteers, to allow convenient shopping for costumers. Airmen's Attic and the Keesler Thrift Store are both located in the former chapel building at the corner of 2nd and H Streets, just south of the dental clinic and southwest of Sablich Center.

From washing and mending clothes to hanging and organizing donations, Ms. Reid selflessly volunteers much of her time to ensure the Airmen's Attic offers quality products.

"If I wouldn't put it on my child, I won't put it out in the Airmen's Attic," Ms Reid said.

A Keesler volunteer since 2008, she's also supported the Fisher House and baked cookies and cupcakes for numerous fundraisers across the base, but she said the people at the Airmen's Attic are what keep her coming back.

"I fell in love with the Airmen's Attic," she said. "Initially I thought volunteering was a one-time deal, but the neatest people came in! The people who come in have become a second family to me. It's a wonderful organization that really benefits people and I just love it."

"I did not get involved with the Airmen's Attic for anything other than personal gratification," said Ms. Reid about receiving the award. "I didn't need anything else -- I didn't want anything else." Ms. Reid said.

"But she deserves something else," Sergeant Messer added. "Who better deserves it than someone who just does it because they want to? She's selfless, she didn't expect it, but she deserves it."
Ms. Reid said, "I want all the young airmen on the base to know where we are and what we do. They can come here and get things for free."

Sergeant Messer said just like the Airmen's Attic couldn't have gotten where it is today without Ms. Reid, she couldn't have done it without donations.

Ms. Reid said, "We get a lot of donations but we're always in need of furniture and kitchen items."

"And volunteers," Sergeant Messer quickly added.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and the last Saturday of the month. Donations can be dropped off during those hours.

To volunteer, call Sergeant Messer, 376-8241.

Excellence comes naturally at Airman’s Attic