LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
With more than 1,200 hours of volunteer time, 500 donated items and 50 consignors to date, the Langley Thrift Shop celebrated its grand opening April 15 at its location above the Airman's Attic.
The grand opening ceremony, hosted by Col. Donald Kirkland, 633d Air Base Wing commander, culminated a five-month effort by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 824 and its' Ladies Auxiliary, as well as representatives from Headquarters Air Combat Command, 192d Fighter Wing, 633 ABW, 1 FW and the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing.
Active-duty military, dependents, Department of Defense civilians and retirees may consign or simply donate their gently used items to the thrift shop. Consignors may consign 20 items up to three times each month -- 60 items total in any given month. All proceeds from the sales, donations and consignments directly benefit the Joint Base Langley-Eustis community.
"I'm impressed by volunteers who have worked so hard to make the opening of the thrift shop a reality," said Colonel Kirkland. "This new community resource will directly benefit our military families. I'd like to specifically credit VFW Post 824, ladies auxiliary and 192d Fighter Wing for their initiative to take on this project."
Mrs. Terry Nelson, wife of Col. Paul Nelson, 480 ISRW commander added, "I'm thrilled to be part of the new thrift shop as well as working with so many dedicated volunteers from the VFW, retirees and base organizations. Our space is clean, bright and cheerful! Why wouldn't you want to visit us?"
Immediately following the ribbon cutting, JBLE toured the improved thrift shop and enjoyed free hot dogs, chips and drinks compliments of the VFW Post 824 and Ladies Auxiliary.
The thrift shop is open for business Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays during Air National Guard drill weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Consignments are accepted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the same days, and also on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The thrift shop will be closed on holidays and family days.
People interested in volunteering at the thrift shop should contact Mrs. Robin Milewski at 223-5763.
Editor's note: Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown of the 633 ABW Public Affairs office contributed to this report.