Bagram to open The Attic: donation shack for multi-service odds and ends

Published May 27, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
455 Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Service members at Bagram Airfield will soon have a one stop shop for acquiring some of the odds and ends that they may need during their deployment here. "The Attic" will have a grand opening May 31, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. next to the 5/6 Shack in Camp Cunningham and is available to all United States uniformed services.

The Attic is a new morale center attached to the back of the 5/6 Shack and will house donated items similar to those typically found in an Airman's Attic at Air Force home stations. The Attic's items, however, will be geared towards a joint-service deployed environment.

"Even though The Attic will be located on Camp Cunningham, my intentions are for this to be open to everyone," said Master Sgt. Chastity Solomon, organizer of The Attic. "That's why I tried to focus on a name that wouldn't give the impression that our sister services weren't welcome. "

As service members redeploy, they typically have a lot of items which they do not want to pack and take home. Also, in-theatre upgrades to uniforms and comfort items may result in having things that can be stored indefinitely or thrown away. The Attic supporters encourage all service members to donate these items rather than dispose of them.

The Attic has already started receiving donations from fellow Bagram residents and redeploying personnel.

The initial stock has physical training uniform items, blankets, boots, cold weather gear and other items. All service members are welcome to donate and take items, but right now most uniform items are Air Force issued.

Solomon said even her parents chipped in to help.

"I told my parents the best way to take care of me is to help me take care of others," said Solomon. "My parents sent eight boxes of various items ranging from toiletries to linens to help get it started."

Tech. Sgt. Jorge Garcia and Tech. Sgt. Matthew Bohlen, volunteers for The Attic setup, are doing all of the minor construction needed to get The Attic ready for its grand opening.

"We are excited to get this thing going," said Garcia. "The Attic will give the opportunity for Airmen, Soldiers and such to obtain any uniform items, or other things such as clothing or blankets, which they might need."

Solomon said she hopes that once The Attic obtains more exposure the other services will know to donate so every service can benefit from the program.

The grand opening of The Attic will coincide with the re-opening of the 5/6 Shack, who will be providing cake, snacks, drinks and music for the event.