CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Airman's Attic held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of their new, larger location in building 1254 on Mar. 11, 2024. The space at the new location afforded the opportunity for the Airman’s Attic to now include a food pantry.
The mission of the Airman's Attic is to provide a range of useful goods to the Cannon Airmen and their families, from the ranks of Airman Basic to Tech. Sgt., including free clothing, uniforms, household goods and many other essential items. The Airman’s Attic is operated by Cannon’s 5/6
There is no restriction on how many items Airmen and their families can get from the Airman’s Attic.
“The resource is there; if you need it, utilize it,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Gutierrez, 27th Special Operations Contracting Squadron contracting apprentice, Sergeant-of-Arms of Cannon 5/6, Airman’s Attics president. “There is no reason to come out of pocket for certain things when there's so much available to you.”
The move to the new location enables the Airman’s Attic to expand, and as part of its mission, the Airman's Attic will also be operating a food pantry for individuals and families who need food assistance. The walk-in pantry is designed to distribute non-perishable items, including canned and dry goods. This initiative is aimed at alleviating the burden of food insecurity for Airmen and families.
A survey conducted by the Department of Defense in 2020 revealed that 24% of active-duty service members experienced food insecurity at some point in 2019. Those numbers have remained consistent. Implementing the food pantry is aimed at mitigating this for Cannon’s Airmen
At this time, no defined limitations have been implemented while the food pantry is so new. However, as the food pantry evolves, guidelines may be established to ensure sustainability.
While working to open the food pantry, Cannon AFB 5/6 and Cannon volunteer, Mrs. Maggie Fleck, built a partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico. This resulted in 800 food boxes being made available for Airmen and their families that are in need. To pick up a box, all a member needs is a referral form signed from a member’s first sergeant. The recipient will then be able to receive a 21-pound box of food per month.
The Airman's Attic is heavily reliant on the support of volunteers and Airmen who provide essential items. Volunteers are essential to the operation and in high demand. Additionally, items like hangars, storage bins, shelves, uniforms, and baby items are always needed. The donation of these items will enable the organization to continue meeting its demand.
“Maternity uniforms are expensive, and we have Airmen who only have to wear them for a few months,” said Gutierrez. “The Airman’s Attic is a great solution to find uniforms that you know you may only need for a short phase of life, and then can be re-donated to help the next person.”
By supporting the financial well-being, confidence, and success of military members and their families, The Airman’s Attic ensures the readiness of military personnel while strengthening connection to the community.
The hours of the Airman’s Attic hours are Tuesday through Thursday 12 to 4 p.m. It is open to all military members ranking from Airman Basic to Tech. Sgt. and their family members with valid identification.
The Airman’s Attic operates solely off donations. To donate, please drop items off at the back of building 1254 at any time. When donating uniform items please remove any name tapes. For more information check the Airman’s Attic Facebook page.