Airman’s Attic: Small space huge impact

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Holt
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  So far in 2011, it has served more than 2,500 service members and their families. It is open three days a week and is operated solely by volunteers. It carries a huge impact only using a quarter of the space that it needs. It is the Airman's Attic.

The Airman's Attic, which is governed by the KMC Top Three, is open from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. It is open for military members and their spouse in grade E-5 and below and, on the last Wednesday of the month, serves all ranks, including officers.

"Everything in the Airman's Attic is free for the service member and their spouse," said Master Sgt. Victoria Miller. Miller recently took on management of the Airman's Attic.

The Airman's Attic carries a wide range of items that Airmen can benefit from. It has uniforms, clothes for toddlers 2-years-old and younger, dishes, electronics, books, canned goods and much more.

"Currently, we are not taking civilian clothes other than baby clothes," said Miller. "We don't have the space to accommodate those items."

The Airman's Attic is working with a small amount of space located in the same building as the barber shop and the Honor Guard. Volunteers work heavy hours to sort through donations and find space to put everything. There is only one small storage space that is reserved for holiday items.

"We are currently looking for bigger real estate," said Senior Master Sgt. Joanne Bass, KMC Top Three president. "We know there is limited real estate at Ramstein, but we are hoping to have something bigger in the near future."

Having a bigger area would increase the amount of donations the Airman's Attic could accept and as well as the amount of support to service members.

"It can get a little crazy in here sometimes with customers shopping and volunteers filling the shelves with recently donated items," Miller said. "There is not much room to maneuver in here."

With such tight spaces, the Airman's Attic is selective with the items it puts on the shelves.

"We ask members who are donating to make sure all of their items are serviceable and clean," said Miller. "Remember that these items are for Airmen who need them. If you wouldn't use it, then please don't donate it."

The Airman's Attic is also looking for more volunteers. It is a full-time job running the Airman's Attic, and Miller said she could use some help.

"Master Sgt. Miller has taken [the Airman's Attic] on and it is an additional duty for her," said Bass. "The Top Three is very grateful for her."

Though the Airman's Attic is managed by Miller and the KMC Top Three, it is a Team Ramstein effort.

To volunteer at the Airman's Attic please visit the Top Three SharePoint site or just stop by during its operational hours to sign up.