Group first sergeants, A&FRC make Vance Airman’s Attic a reality Published Nov. 6, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Group first sergeants and the Airman and Family Readiness Center always look out for the interest of Vance enlisted Airmen - this is evident with the grand opening of the Vance Airman's Attic at 2 p.m., Nov. 20, in Bldg. 415, Base Exchange mall. "The new Airman's Attic is a resource developed to help young Airmen and their families who may be struggling to make ends meet each month," said Master Sgt. Joe Lawley, 71st Operations Squadron first sergeant. "The operation is aimed at taking some of the financial stress off young Air Force members who are providing for themselves and their families." The attic provides free items for enlisted Airmen E-5 and below and their families. People who have furniture in good condition or operative appliances can donate them to the program. "We are looking for serviceable uniforms, appliances, kitchen items, baby items and furniture. The only thing we are not accepting is clothing," Sergeant Lawley said. "People need to coordinate a time to drop off for their donated items." Like many other bases, Vance AFB had an Airman's Attic in the past, but the program dissolved due to lack of assistance and interest. Master Sgt. Jay Hoth, 71st Mission Support Squadron Base Education and Training superintendent, and former Vance first sergeant, wanted to re-energize the program to bring sense of concern for the welfare of enlisted Airmen. He found a location for the attic and began collecting donations to get the program off the ground. "When servicemembers are less preoccupied with money matters, it's easier for them to focus on their military mission. The Airman's Attic operates similarly to commercial assistance organizations, except there's no charge to its customers - everything is free," Sergeant Hoth said. "This may alleviate some of the hardships enlisted Airmen may face, by providing some of the needed items." Tech. Sgt. Bobbie White said this is a great way for Airmen to help Airmen. "In the past, I've had to refer Airmen to off-base agencies when they needed items we couldn't provide," said the Airman and Family Readiness Center NCO in charge of readiness. "The Airman's Attic will be a great resource for Airmen and make it easier for us to take care of our own." Enlisted servicemembers E-5 or below and their family members can acquire items from the attic by contacting any group first sergeant, the Airman and Family Readiness Center representatives or the Airman's Attic coordinator. 71st Mission Support Group first sergeant 747-2632 71st Medical Group first sergeant 747-5350 71st Operations Group first sergeant 747-2542 Airman and Family Readiness 213-6288 Airman's Attic coordinator 213-6502