Many bases across the Air Force host an ‘Airman’s Attic’ which provides junior enlisted members with access to donated household goods free of charge. A team of volunteers has extended the concept here.
The Meade Attic allows enlisted service members from each branch the rank E-5 and below to receive free items such as but not limited to common household goods, furniture, books, toys, clothing and military uniforms.
Master Sgt. Brandi, 32nd Intelligence Squadron, currently volunteers as the Meade Attic coordinator and helps run the program keeping it operational.
“It [Meade Attic] is a place where enlisted service members can come and get free household items,” Brandi said. “One of our purposes and goals is to give back to military families by providing them items they may not have money to purchase. Some members have never lived on their own and may not have household items, the Meade Attic could furnish their new place.”
All items at the attic are there through donations, and not resold which differs from other similar services on post. Anyone with access to the post is able to donate, and may do so during hours of operation.
The Meade Attic hours of operation are currently on Tuesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are located on post in building 4230, on the corner of Rock and Roberts Avenue.
The Meade Attic operates solely on the assistance of volunteers. It would not be possible to run this program without the help of volunteers, volunteers such as Maria Moratal.
Moratal has volunteered her time with the Meade Attic for the past four years, and has seen many young families benefit from the free household items.
For members E-5 and below arriving to Fort Meade for a Permanent Change of Station, the Meade Attic can be a cost savings tool while awaiting household goods arrival.
“Some young service members move here and have very little money to spend on items such as toys, cooking utensils and furniture while they are waiting for their belongings to arrive,” said Moratal. “It has been wonderful helping these families. They are always thanking us for having this program available.”
Moratal states that on average, 50 or more service members utilize the attic on a monthly basis.
“The Ft Meade Attic provides a vital service to junior enlisted services members of all military services and their families in the ranks of E-1 through E-5,” said Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Higginbotham, 70th ISR Wing command chief. “It is important that commanders, chiefs, first sergeants and supervisors know what the Fort Meade Attic has to offer in order for them to support their members and families.”
For those seeking to lend a hand, volunteers can be any service member, DOD civilian, retirees and dependents who are 16-years and older.
For volunteer opportunities or general questions the Meade Attic can be contacted at meade.attic@ft-meade.af.mil.
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.09.2016 11:43 |
| Story ID: | 206519 |
| Location: | FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Meade Attic: Hidden treasures, by TSgt Veronica Pierce, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
