Airman’s Attic takes care of Airmen, families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Located in Building 4000 near the Child Development Center, the Airman’s Attic is a one-stop shop for free clothes, furniture and children toys for Airmen and their families.

The building has sections split off to showcase their selections of military clothing to include service dress, utility uniforms, civilian clothing from shirts and pants to shoes and dresses, and a room toward the back of the building just for children.

“We’re open to E-6 and below Monday and Wednesday, and the last Saturday (of the month) we’re open to all ranks and retirees,” said Joslin Knightstep, Airman’s Attic volunteer coordinator.

Just promoted and looking for that new rank? They have those too. Ribbon rack needing to be updated? There are ribbons and racks available at no charge.

The Airman’s Attic is volunteer-led and is provided with donations from families on and off base.

Each day the Attic is open, volunteers search through items left in the donation shed outside the Airman’s Attic. The donation shed is unlocked 24/7 to allow item drop-offs and to protect the items from inclement weather.

Before being placed on a shelf, items are checked for stains and tears, ensuring everything is useable and in working condition.

“As long as someone can use it and someone will wear it then we’ll keep it,” Knightstep said. “From there we will take it and hang it on any of our hangers or fold it up, then bring it out onto the floor and wait for someone to come and grab it.”

Knightstep said the Attic will take almost anything from household goods and electronics to books and other entertainment items.

“We will basically take anything,” Knightstep said. “There are only a few things we can’t take which are safety items like bike helmets, car seats, drop-side cribs and crib mattresses.”

Being an all-volunteer service, Knightstep is encouraging Airmen and their families to donate and volunteer to help keep the Airman’s Attic going.

“We are in need of volunteers,” Knightstep said. “Right now we have about four people who are consistent, other than that it is just random volunteers and whoever can come in whenever, even if it’s just for an hour.”

The 5/6 Alliance has partnered with the Airman's Attic staff to assist them with getting volunteers to help with moving items around and sorting donated goods.

Tech. Sgt. James McLean, 341st Missile Wing occupational safety NCO in charge and 5/6 Alliance president, said the base must continue to receive donations and volunteers in order to keep the Airman’s Attic open as an option for Airmen and families.

“The Airman's Attic is a resource that assists Airmen and their families with a variety of essentials,” McLean said. “They often times need assistance one day a week and it would be amazing if we could all work together to help them continue running this resource.”

For more information on volunteering, individuals can contact Knightstep at 406-399-0709 or McLean at 731-1234.