Airman's Attic co-locates with Family Services

Published March 11, 2009
By Thea Skinner
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Whether deploying or in-processing, the Airman's Attic and Family Service loan closet at Peterson Air Force Base assists in developing and caring for all branch service members.

Air Force Space Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command leaders arrived at the Airman's attic by invitation from Col. Jay and Mollie Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander, Feb. 23.

Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, and his wife, Mrs. Marjorie Kehler, along with Gen. Victor Renuart, commander, NORAD/NORTHCOM, and his wife, Mrs. Jill Renuart, engaged in dialogue with Airman and Family Readiness Center volunteers and personnel.

"Everywhere we have been in the Air Force, the Airman's Attic is one of the most popular places for young families coming in because they can always find something that helps them," Gen. Kehler said.

Airman's Attic marked its one-year anniversary in a new location in February. The "Attic" is co-located with the Family Service loan closet in building 1425 next to Tierra Vista Communities housing office, across the parking lot from the base chapel. The Airman's Attic is part of the Airman and Family Readiness Center and the Family Service loan closet is part of Family Services. The Housing Office will become a neighbor adjoining the two services and Tierra Vista Communities in the same center at the end of March.

"We thought it would be great synergy between the Airman's Attic and Family Services to co-locate them. We also thought it would be synergy next to the housing office because people come in and need a home," said Colonel Raymond.

Although available to all service members, the attic provides free baby items, uniforms, children's cloths, furniture and household items to staff sergeants and below.

"They are allowed to shop here once a week taking five items per visit," said Chris Neu, Airman's Attic manager and volunteer coordinator. "Uniforms are unlimited and we occasionally have uniforms from other branches. We have so many people come in and they are so thrilled to get a high chair."

About 25 service members come in per day and the attic served 114 people the third week of February, she said.

The high visibility of the attic in the new location resulted in an increase of service members seeking items from the attic.

The numbers served are "up considerably since coming here away from the dungeon," Colonel Raymond said.

"Twenty volunteers support the Airman's Attic, of which eight are full-time and 10 are part-time. We are staffed entirely by volunteers," Ms. Neu, said. "The most items in demand are baby items and baby clothes. We take maternity clothes. We do not have the room for adult clothing."

The attic accepts various donations including furniture, children's toys and electronics and runs on the charity of volunteers and donations from Peterson AFB community and the surrounding Colorado Springs community. For more information about the Airman's Attic, call 719-556-3215.

AFSPC Commander