Airman’s Attic relieves cost of living for Icemen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Eielson's Airman's Attic serves to help defray the cost of living for military personnel and their dependents.

Inside the AA, customers can find an array of household items such as clothing for adults and children, furniture, food, decorative items, electronics, etc ... for no cost at all--yes, everything in the AA is free-of-charge.

"The AA exists as a way for members to help members," said Chap. (Maj.) Patrick Genseal, 354th Fighter Wing flightline ministries chaplain and AA coordinator. "It costs a lot to live in Alaska, and the existence of the AA helps to ease the financial burden."

However, he said that there is a limit to how many items can be taken per month.

Forty items can be taken for every family member, 10 small household items per family (certain items will be bundled and counted as one), and one large household item. The food pantry is limited to E-4s and below, and is limited to 20 items per month.

Chaplain Genseal said that most every Air Force Base has an AA, but Eielson's is the only one that is sponsored by the base chapel.

Servicemembers of all ranks are welcome to browse and make use of the AA's donations. Soldiers from Fort Wainwright are also welcome customers; there is not a comparable establishment on post, so the AA is also here to serve its sister branches of service.

Airman 1st Class Aaron Puuri, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration journeyman, said he uses the Airman's Attic as a tool in helping finance his other expenses.

"It helps out a lot because I'm getting married soon, so this way I can put more of my living expenses towards my wedding," he said. "I think it's a good thing for people to take advantage of."

To donate to the AA, items can be dropped off at the back loading dock of the building or, during business hours, can be brought inside for those who want a receipt for their donation.

The AA is always in need of volunteers.

"All people need to do is come by the AA during business hours and express their desire to volunteer and we can find a place for them," said the chaplain. "We encourage people to be part of our team."

The Airman's Attic is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. It is located in the back of Bldg. 2264, North Street. For more information, call the AA during hours of operation at 372-4390 or contact the chapel at 377-2130.