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Airman’s Attic asks for active assistance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Vernon R. Walter III
  • 27th Special Operations Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The Airman’s Attic on Cannon Air Force Base provides free uniform items to Air Commandos weekly at building 72.

The Airman’s Attic is a volunteer service dedicated to a tradition of giving back to the community by suppling free items to improve the lives of Air Commandos and their families.

“To me, this is like the heart of young Airmen,” said Melanie Patrick, Airman’s Attic volunteer and spouse of Col. Christopher Patrick, 27th Special Operations Medical Group Commander. “Every little thing helps, from uniforms to rank to a few extra PT shirts. Uniforms are expensive, so we want to help out young airmen so they can spend their money on things to make their lives easier.”

Uniform pieces are a foundation of the Airman’s Attic, but it isn’t all that they provide. A Cinderella’s Closet provides spouses rental dresses and gowns for Air Force Balls and other formal ceremonies for free. As Airmen transition out of the dorms, they can receive donated home supplies through the Attic as well. An expansion of the facility to accommodate inventory is planned.

“If people need to get rid of stuff so they can move, we’ll happily take that stuff off their hands.” said Staff Sgt. Kaileen Magee, Cannon 5/6 club president and volunteer at the Attic. “In the end, it all goes back to those that need it.”
In the prime of military moving season, Air Commandos can donate uniforms, rank patches or even household goods like kitchen supplies to make the move easier and give to those that might need it.

While donations make up what the Airman’s Attic provides, volunteers make up the workforce of the Airman’s Attic. Active military members and their spouses can provide their help, whether it be checking donated items for damage or unloading boxes of donated items.

“I always volunteer at the Airman’s Attics at each station I’m at,” said Patrick. “It lets me personally give back to those that have come before me and those that will come after.”

Even if Airmen only have an hour to spare at the Airmen’s Attic, their volunteered time is accepted.

For questions about how to donate, what items are available, or for volunteer opportunities, contact the Cannon AFB Airman’s Attic Facebook page.

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