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Airman's Attic named in honor of retired CMSgt. Gene R. Collins

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber R. Kelly-Herard
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Scott Air Force Base community gathered Monday at 9 a.m. at the Base Theater to pay tribute to retired Chief Master Sgt. Gene R. Collins in a dedication ceremony that named the Airman's Attic after him.

The initiative to name the room after Mr. Collins had been in the works since earlier this year to honor all that he has done for the Airmen of Scott throughout the years. The dedication was approved Sept. 17.

Mr. Collins became the manager of the facility in 2004 with a goal to better take care of Scott's Airmen.

Mr. Collins saw the Airman's Attic through a move from an older, less convenient building to a new, more centrally located facility which services more Airmen and families than any other Airman's Attic in Air Mobility Command.

Those who have come across Mr. Collins at the Airman's Attic, the First Term Airman Center or Airman Leadership School, know he has always focused on the needs of Airmen.

Pattie Riddles, Airman's Attic volunteer, said, "It was so Gene, at the dedication ceremony when it was his moment, he said that he wished he could have installed an air conditioning and heating system."

Mr. Collins, originally from Grundy, Va., joined the Army in 1955. Later he transferred to the Air Force and retired after more than 20 years of service.

Gerry Arens, an Airman's Attic volunteer said, "Some people volunteer, and then some people really volunteer. Gene really volunteered. He was always working and donating funds. His second passion was taking photos of the many volunteers."

Dereliz Coriano, another Airman's Attic volunteer, said, "He really inspired and motivated people to help the Airmen and do more."

About 27,000 families each year benefit from Scott's Airman's Attic.

Servicemembers E-1 through E-6 and their family members can shop at the Airman's Attic for uniforms, baby items, furniture, clothes and more. All items are free and there is no financial eligibility requirement.

Families are able to shop Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m., and the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon.

Airman's Attic relies on volunteers and donations to stay open.

In addition to Mr. Collins, there is a team of 13 core volunteers who operate the attic day-to-day. Several organizations on base also support Airman's Attic.

Items can be donated Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Donated items that cannot be used at the attic are donated to other charity organizations in the local area.

For more information, contact the new Airman's Attic manager, Dale Buckles, at 256-3840.

Donations to Airman's Attic can be sent to:

Friends of Military Families
375 FSS/FSFR
Attn: Airman's Attic
404 West Martin St.
Scott Air Force Base, IL 62225