Airman’s Attic helps Airmen, families Published Nov. 18, 2014 By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- An airman basic earns $18,378 in basic pay per year. It can be difficult to raise a family on so little income. Children need clothes, Airmen need new uniforms, and bills must be paid. For Airmen in these circumstances, the Vance first sergeants and volunteers operate the Airman's Attic. The Airman's Attic is a volunteer-run store that solely exists to help Airmen and their families. It survives on donations from servicemembers and retirees. Airmen can help themselves, up to 10 items at a time, to an assortment of clothes, baby care items, housewares, uniforms and electronics - for free. "Before we had volunteers running the store the only way for someone to get access was through a first sergeant," said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Pillatzke, the 71st Mission Support Group acting first sergeant. "We couldn't offer the services that are available there now without them." The volunteers organize the store, take donations, sort clothes and decorate. They also maintain a "needs list." "Just come in and tell us what you need and we put it on there," said Elaine McPherson, the Airman's Attic liaison and wife of Chief Master Sgt. Bruce McPherson, the 71st Security Forces Squadron superintendent. "When and if the item comes in, we will call you and hold on to it for a week before we put it on the floor." The Attic offers a starting point for Airmen moving off base seeking furnishings for their new home or for Airmen starting families. "I've heard stories about Airmen coming here from another base and their belongings didn't come until weeks after they got here," said Pillatzke. "They used this place for clothes and cooking utensils while they waited for their stuff to get here. It has really helped people in tight spots." Enlisted members and their families are not the only ones who can benefit from the Attic though. Uniform items are available to Airmen of any rank, any time. On the last Friday of each month, the volunteers host an all ranks day, which opens the Attic's wares to all uniformed Airmen and their families. The Attic also has a selection of formal gowns available to borrow for free that the volunteers have dubbed "Cinderella's Closet". The only caveat is the dresses must be returned dry-cleaned. "Some of the dresses in Cinderella's Closet still have the price tags on them," said McPherson. "If there is a need out there, we try to fill it." For times when items have been sitting on the shelves too long the volunteers will find them a new home. "We donate to the Young Women's Christian Association, the Child Development Center and some thrift stores in town," said McPherson. "They reach out to us and if we can fill the need, we will." The Attic is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Fridays from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. To volunteer or get in touch with the Attic, send a message on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/VanceAirmansAttic.