Local civilian pilots donate $1,100 to Vance Airman's Attic

  • Published
  • By Joe B. Wiles
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Kim English now has $1,100 to buy items from her wish list for the Vance Airman's Attic, thanks to a donation from pilots using Enid's Woodring Regional Airport. 

Mrs. English, the coordinator for the Airman's Attic, received a donation of $1,100 from Michele Moritz with airport operations at Woodring Regional AP, during a ceremony Oct. 7 at the Attic. Also attending were Col. Richard Murphy, 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander, Chief Master Sgt. M. Kenui Balutski, 71st FTW command chief, and other senior enlisted leaders. 

The donation came from funds raised during an event at Woodring Regional AP Sept. 26. Mrs. Moritz, whose husband, Todd Moritz, recently retired from the Air Force, knows the challenges young enlisted Airmen face. "I know how it is when you move to a new base and your stuff doesn't come on time," she said. 

"The Airman's Attic is here to help young Airmen, E-5 and below," said Mrs. English, wife of Master Sgt. Robert English with the 71st FTW Command Post. "We have cookware, dishes, glasses, household items, bedding, furniture, electronics, baby items, toys, appliances and everything is free," she said. 

"The items available at the Airman's Attic change from week to week depending on what has been donated throughout the week." Mrs. English said. "Also, if the Airman's Attic doesn't have something an Airman really needs, the staff will use every avenue available to try and acquire the item," she said. 

The Attic's outside entrance is located on the southwest corner of the Base Exchange building near the Commissary. It is open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. However, an Airman in need is just a phone call away from getting the doors unlocked. Mrs. English phone number is 234-6383. An Airman can also contact his or her first sergeant for emergency access to the Attic. 

"Kim (English) wants to meet the needs of Vance Airmen," said Sheryl Lawrence, vice president of the Enlisted Spouses Group, the organization that sponsors the Airman's Attic. "She will come in when called." Mrs. Lawrence's spouse is Master Sgt. Mitchell Lawrence. 

"Sometimes an Airman new to Vance needs kitchen items or bedding," said Mrs. English. "I don't mind coming in on a weekend. The look on their faces when they see we care enough to help them is very rewarding," she said. 

Since the Airman's Attic opened Nov. 20, 2007, it has provided donated items to more than 150 Airmen and their families free of charge. "You too can help out Vance's Airmen by donating any used household items or furniture you are no longer using to the Airman's Attic," Mrs. English said. 

"The Enlisted Spouses Group's focus is fellowship, support and fun," said Mrs. Lawrence. "We encourage all Vance enlisted spouses to come join our group. We're here to support them." 

The ESG is holding Bunko Night at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 12, at the Community Chapel Activity Center, Bldg. 528. All enlisted spouses are welcome. The ESG meets the second Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the CCAC. For more information, call Mrs. Lawrence, 213-5304, or e-mail the ESG at enlistedspouses@gmail.com.