Airman’s Attic: an open opportunity

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Malia Jenkins
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  At Minot Air Force Base there is a small facility that offers Airmen and their families a wide selection of products, varying from military uniforms to even books and clothes, at no cost.

The Airman's Attic, which is located in the Combined Community Complex, affectionately known as the Triple C, supports approximately 11,600 Airmen and their families.

"The Airman's Attic mission is to give back to families that can not necessarily afford to go out and buy what they need," said Master Sgt. Matthew Voorhees, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent of readiness and emergency management. "Whether it's a new couple trying to put together their first home or someone who is down on hard times, we are here to support them."

Voorhees and Master Sgt. Detrick Thomas, 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron NCO in charge of the missile maintenance team section, run the Airman's Attic through the Minot AFB Top III association. Anyone that has an active duty, retired, or dependent ID card can benefit from the service they provide.

The attic is able to open its doors and provide a selection of goods at no cost because of the men and women who volunteer their time.

"A lot of what we do wouldn't be possible without help from our volunteers," Thomas said. "Nearly every day we're open. We get volunteers from around the base, young Airmen all the way up to senior NCOs, who dedicate their time to ensuring our operation runs smoothly."

Probably just as important, if not more, is the dedicated staff of civilian volunteers who have been volunteering at the attic regularly for more than 8 1/2 years, Thomas added. Without them, it would be hard to maintain any continuity.

"They are the backbone of the attic and we definitely appreciate what they do for our people," Thomas said. "Our volunteers work 240 to 360 plus personnel hours per month on top of the hours put in by the Airman Leadership School and first term Airmen classes."

With the help of these volunteers who play a big part in the Airman's Attics success, it is able to provide almost anything someone would need, such as a large supply of adult, youth and baby clothing, household goods, toys, books and holiday decorations.

"We have the Airman's Attic on base to provide families the option of getting items they need for free rather than going to a store to purchase them," Voorhees explained. "It's also a great way for families to get rid of items that have been sitting in a closet or have been untouched for years and give back to other families that may need it."

A 24-hour donation drop-off location is available behind the frosted glass at the main entrance of the Triple C. Approximately 7,000 items are processed through the Airman's Attic every month.

Anyone can visit the Airman's Attic to get furniture, anything from full living room sets to bedroom sets and kitchen tables. Also offered is a full range of appliances such as TVs, toasters and video games during their hours of operation, Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the first Thursday of the month from 5-7 p.m. and the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anything outside of that is considering stealing. Those that are caught will be banned from the Airman's Attic and their first sergeant will be notified.

On average the attic has about 350 customers that use the services during a month's time-frame, which is about 4,200 clients per year, Voorhees said. It not only provides Airmen and families of Minot AFB with their services but it also extents a helping hand to the local community.

Recently, the attic's coordinators have started working with the Minot Veterans Outreach program and provide their organization with clothes, furniture, appliances, and more when a veteran is in need.

Another organization that uses its services is the Recycle Earth, which takes donations deemed unserviceable or inventory that has been sitting out too long and ships them to third world countries in need.

Members who use the Airman's Attic do not necessarily have to be homeless or on hard times. They are here for all ranks, even if someone needs only a uniform item or just wants to shop for free.