AL DHAFRA AIR BASE, United Arab Emirates -- Airmen often discard half-used personal items, televisions, and clothing, among other things in day rooms or dumpsters across base when it’s time to redeploy.
Now there is a way to make good use of those items and set the next rotation up for success. The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates now has an Airman’s Attic.
“The Airman’s Attic is a space for all of ADAB to place their gently used items (lamps, TVs, etc) in one central location after their rotation is complete or to pick up items they will need upon arriving in the area of responsibility,” said Tech. Sgt. Janae Steude, 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron commander’s executive assistant and Enduring 5/6 member. “Instead of throwing away gently used items, they can be used by the Airmen arriving next, both preventing waste and saving others money.”
The mission of the Attic is to, “Leave ADAB better than we found it by having a centralized location where gently used items can be used by all that visit ADAB to include those transiting to other locations,” she said.
Two organizations worked together to get the Attic open to all military members on base.
“The First Four and the Enduring 5/6 have both been actively pursuing this due to the amount of discarded, but usable, items found in dumpsters around ADAB as well as the items that accumulate in the day rooms, bathrooms/shower areas of the dorms/Re-Locatable Buildings, and even the laundry rooms, Steude said. “In an effort to reduce the amount of trash and the piling up of half used but discarded shampoo, conditioner, lotions and even mattress toppers, the Attic has provided an alternative to putting them in the UAE waste management facility.”
Volunteers are going to be vital to the continued operation of the Attic.
“We can’t do this without your help,” she said. “We will need volunteers for days, swings, and night shifts alike. The more volunteers we have, the more hours we can be open to take donations ... please volunteer by sending the times and dates you would like to volunteer to our org box 380aew.airmansattic@adab.afcent.af.mil.”
Various donations are accepted, but all need to be in good condition. Since the Attic just opened on Sept. 28, 2020, donations are needed at this time.
Acceptable items include:
- Books
- Luggage
- Electronics
- Small appliances
- Household items (mattress toppers, cleaning supplies, and toiletries)
- Sports equipment
- Shoes
- Clothing
- Serviceable uniform items
Items must be in good, usable condition. Items that have rips, stains, chipped dishes, etc., will not be accepted. Sheets, comforters, and opened food items will not be accepted.
There are a few rules patrons must keep in mind when acquiring items from the attic.
“Items obtained from the Airman's Attic are strictly prohibited from being resold,” she said. “Customers found in violation of this policy may have their privileges revoked. It is the customer's responsibility to arrange transportation for any items selected. Volunteers are not required to carry large boxes or items for customers.”
ADAB’s Airman’s Attic contributes to the wing’s priorities and mission by, “Caring for Airmen so that they can execute the mission, leaving ADAB better than we found it, and by developing a positive host-nation relationship by reducing the amount of refuse that ADAB produces.”
Airmen can visit the Attic on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm and 10:00 pm – 2:00 am.