Airman's Attic Opens at Pease

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Lenz
  • 157th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. --  Members of the 157th Air Refueling Wing attended the grand opening of an Airman's Attic here, May 15, 2014. The mission of the attic is to provide Air Force families with furnishings while they await the arrival of their household goods. Members on a first-term assignment with no furnishings are also eligible to participate.

"It's important that we support each other and make sure that if someone in our organization needs something that we give them the ability to get what they need so they can support themselves and their family," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Cline, vice president of the Rising 5, an organization from the 64th Air Refueling Squadron, an active duty squadron assigned here as part of an active associate.

There are more than 20 people involved in the establishment of the Airman's Attic, believed to be the first of its kind here, organizers said.

"I just want to say thanks to the Airman who made this [Airman's Attic] possible," said Col. Paul Hutchinson, 157th Air Refueling Wing commander. "This was a project that came from the bottom up -- airman out there seeing a problem and deciding to go fix it."

Leading the way was the 64th ARS Boosters, The Top-4, Military Spouse's Club and the N.H. Air National Guard Enlisted Council. Chapter 155 of the Air Force Sergeants Association at Pease and the Veterans of Foreign Wars post of York, Maine assisted in collecting initial donations.

"Pease is a tight-knit community," said Lt. Col. Jeremiah Heathman, 64 ARS commander. "To have something like this here so that airmen can go get goods donated to assist them during their time here at Pease is a great example of airman helping airman."

Airman helping airman is a common theme found with those involved in the Airman's Attic.

"I think it's going to help many more than one or two airman, it's going to help airman over a long period of time," said Hutchinson.

During a monthly meeting recently, members of the Rising 5 met with Tech Sgt. Jessica Davidson, vice president of the N.H. Air National Guard Enlisted Council to work together towards a common goal.

"One of the goals that came from this meeting was an Airman's Attic, a commonly seen function seen on an active duty bases," said Cline. "There have been a lot of times when we've had airman and fellow workers who needed help, extras dishes, or clothing for the winter."

Because many active duty families transferring to Pease may be coming from a warmer weather climate where winter clothing is not something they own, Cline explained.

"It's very important that we develop a support organization to help those who need the help," Cline added. "It's what we do for each other."

Organizers suggested items similar to what you might expect to find in a consignment shop or thrift stores are best to donate.

These include: dishes, indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, kids furniture, nursery furniture, maternity, baby essentials, baby clothes, baby toys, kids clothing girls and boys, kids toys, games, pots and pans, silverware, home décor, tools, sports equipment, books, gardening, jewelry, linens, shoes, handbags, boxes, Air Force dress uniforms and fatigues, military boots, accessories, military gear.

Items not accepted area clothing, bedding, sofa sleepers, car seats, badly soiled, torn or broken items. The Airman's Attic does not provide pick-up or deliver. Airman must contact their organization's first sergeant for assistance.

"We all know how difficult the transition can be when relocating your family to a new area, and in partnership with the 64th, we believe that the Airman's attic is a small way we can help alleviate some of the financial and emotional hardships that our Airman endure from time to time," said Davidson.

The Pease Airman Attic is located in building 256 and the hours of operations are: Tuesday: 12 noon to 4 p.m., Thursday: 3 p.m. to 6p.m., and UTA Drill Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For further information contact one of the point-of-contacts:

· Tech. Sgt. Christopher Spinelli at 603-430-3551
· Staff Sgt. Christine Desrochers at 603-430-2512
· Staff Sgt. Thomas Cline at 603-430-2436
· Senior Airman Brandon Derry at 603-403-2474